"Dennis has just brought into management what he has always portrayed as a player; he is committed and he is a winner," says Alan ahead of Sunday's trip to Millwall.
"He has won the cup three times, which is some record in itself, and he has got a great chance of winning it a fourth time.
"Him and Ray Wilkins have done a great job there - but that is irrelevant to us.
"The important thing is that our ship is right and we are on course or the Premiership as soon as possible."
Alan dismisses the notion that Millwall will have one eye on their FA cup semi-final date with Sunderland and says:
"I don't think that is an obvious question, in all honesty - I think they will have their eyes very much on us."
As for injuries, Alan adds:
"We think Mattie might make it; David Connolly is a big doubt and so is Hayden Mullins."