"We have got a few players playing well and Marlon is one of them; he got a cracking goal on Saturday and I have to say that he has taken to his position fantastically," enthuses Alan.
"He has never really played on the right before and I am asking to do this role - he has been terrific.
"His attitude to it has been excellent and that is probably why he has been a success."
Is Alan surprised he has scored so many goals from a wider position, though?
"That is why I bought him - so I am not surprised," he says.
"I feel you can get more goals if you get a striker playing down one of the sides; he has done it really well and all credit to him.
"There is always the option of putting Marlon back up front as well, which is a nice one to have."
Looking at the cup tie with Fulham, from which there is live commentary here, he says:
"It is one of the best Fulham teams there has ever been; it is a top team, though they are coming here on not the greatest of form.
"We can't hide behind the fact that it is a good time to play them and we have to take advantage of that.
"Our spirits are high and we have got a good little run going ourselves.
"We have to focus about what we are doing and if that happens we have got a great chance."
Explaining why he has switched home games to Tuesdays, he says:
"It helps with recovery time more than anything; if you play Wednesday night you have got a recovery day Thursday and you are back out Friday so there is no time to prepare for the Saturday game.
"We are more comfortable with Saturdays and Tuesdays."