"Elliot signed his contract yesterday," confirms Alan, who has been unable to call on the centre half's services for the first team this season because of his rehabilitation following a back injury that needed an operation.
"He needs to keep on top of his body, as it were; he has a big shape to him but if he controls that he has a chance," adds Alan, who took the reserves' last game of the season at Charlton this week, which resulted in a 0-0 draw.
Elliot actually limped off early in the game but it was nothing to do with his back.
"He twisted his ankle and he should be okay in a week or so," says Alan.
As for Collins, the England youth defender who is currently on Sunderland's books, Alan says:
"He did okay; we liked him and we are going to keep monitoring him."
The reserves have lost just once in their last 15 games and Alan adds:
"It has been an excellent season and that has been reflected in our results.
"We have dominated most games and it has been a great finish.
"All credit to the young players that have played."