Hodgson has warned Fulham fans not to expect too much too soon from new loan signing Okaka.
Okaka has joined the west London club on loan from Serie A giants Roma until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer.
The Italy U-21 international made his debut for the Cottagers in their 1-0 win over Portsmouth in the Barclays Premier League on Wednesday night, a result which brought to an end a five-match losing streak for Hodgson's side.
Okaka missed a golden opportunity to mark his debut with a goal in the first half after he glanced a header wide from five yards out.
However, Hodgson has warned that it will take a long time for Okaka to adapt to the English game, saying: "I think Okaka's going to take a lot of time. He's a young raw player and had Erik Nevland not had that toe problem he would not have started.
"He doesn't speak a word of English at the moment and my Italian's nowhere near as good as it used to be. I'm sure he will get better and I'm sure he will turn out to be a useful signing for us."
Source: PA
Source: PA