Looking at the draw which gave West Ham another away tie, Alan says:
"We came out last so we are away again; it is a winnable game, which is a good thing, but a tough one.
"From a fan's perspective if we play Fulham we wouldn't have to travel so far, which would be good, but from a playing side I am not really bothered which side it is.
"The draw has meant that there is a real opportunity to maybe progress to the semi-final where anything can happen.
"I know that better than most and if we get through this one there is an opportunity to get a really friendly draw in the quarter-final - and there can't be more of an incentive than that."
Alan had, one way or another, eight senior players missing at the weekend, and a further two, new signings Nigel Reo-Coker and Adam Nowland - who had just signed in the week - watching intently.
This meant that two players who performed on Monday night in the FA Youth cup, Chris Cohen and Mark Noble, were on the bench, and Alan adds:
"I looked at the bench on Saturday and we had two 16 year olds there and really, that is not right for West Ham.
"That was a temporary measure because we have got so many players that were unavailable or cuptied, and I certainly have some difficult decisions to make this week.
"But they are nice ones and it is one of the first times I have had that - there is real competition for places on the back of a win and that is what you want.
"When it comes back round to the cup it could well be that the team might change for that because of the cup tie situation, and that will create competition, which is good.
"It is something Arsenal and Manchester United have used with their youngsters and it has worked particularly well for them, spreading their squad out and getting everyone involved - it keeps everyone part of the togetherness that you want."
Jon Harley will only be able to play against Fulham - if they overcome Everton - if he has signed permanently when the fifth round takes place.
Although he played at Wolves in the FA cup, with Fulham's permission, under the competition's rules he would not be able to face the side from whom he was being loaned, irrespective of whether they minded or not.
"That would cause us a problem, or him, and the ball is still in Jon's court," says Alan.
"He has had two decent games for us and we have had two decent results, so he has started well.
As for Chris and Mark, Alan adds:
"They are our best kids and the older ones need to rise to the challenge; it is two younger ones coming through and it should give everyone in the Academy hope for the future but it should spur the older ones on that they have got in front of.
"They are two outstanding kids and I wouldn't have had any hesitation putting them on on Sunday - but obviously we sealed the game pretty well and I was pleased with that."