That opportunity has come a little close following the signing, on loan for a month, of full back Anthony Barness, and, talking of the young talent in the squad, Alan says:
"We have always had a tradition of bringing young players on and we have got some good players at youth team level.
"At the moment the third year scholars have got a bit of work to do but certainly in Mark Noble and Chris Cohen we have got two potential West Ham players, there is no doubt about that.
"They are only 16, but are progressing very quickly although they are young, and I won't hesitate if I think they are ready - Chris has already had a little taste.
"The big one probably is Anton who could come into the side; he did well when he came on against Preston and showed a good positive attitude on Saturday.
"I think he has done well at times when he has played and at other times he has done not so well.
"Maybe he needs a run of games - though, having said that, in the situation we are in I can't afford to take chances.
"My ideal situation with Anton would be to bring in a couple of new faces and loan him out to get some games under his belt.
"He has definitely got a chance of being a West Ham player but he lacks experience and games.
"That is an avenue I have discussed with him and certainly I hope if I do bring a couple of new faces in he can go out on loan and get those games.
"If not then he is obviously going to have to have the games in our team - and he is going to have to grow in it, with his inexperience showing in games.
"Ultimately it will be good for us."