 Okocha's opportunities have been limited
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Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has warned Nigerian international Jay Jay Okocha that it could take him six months to establish himself in the first team. The 29-year-old midfielder played 45 minutes of Bolton's opening Premiership game against Fulham and has figured only once since, as a substitute against Arsenal last week.
"It is the pace of the Premiership he has to adjust to," said Allardyce.
"All foreigners find the pace and style difficult - Dennis Bergkamp could not kick a ball for six months and Thierry Henry was the same."
Okocha, who played for Nigeria in the World Cup, arrived at the Reebok Stadium on a free transfer from Paris St Germain.
But after suffering a knee injury against Fulham, he has been unable to regain his place in the side despite returning to fitness a month ago.
"Better players than Jay Jay have proved that it is not always easy for a foreigner coming to England," Allardyce told the Daily Mirror.
"Jay Jay may even need 12 months before he finally feels comfortable."
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