Fulham manager Hodgson looks at bigger picture after FA Cup exit

Fulham were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Bristol Rovers, two leagues below them, after their third-round replay ended goalless.

 Hodgson took over at Fulham on December 28 but has so far been unable to halt an alarming run of form that has seen them slide to second-from-bottom, five points away from safety.

 "The determination and aggression we showed to match Bristol Rovers was a positive," Hodgson said.

 "It was a sterling cup-tie full of duels and challenges and fortunately we won a few more of those than we have been doing in recent weeks.

 "Our battle against relegation will start again on Tuesday."

   Hodgson could have three new players to help the fight against relegation, however.

 Brede Hangeland and Leon Andreasen have already signed while former Liverpool midfielder Jari Litmanen, captain of Finland under Hodgson, is training with the London side.