Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has branded defender Jores Okore a 'warrior' as the defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the FA Cup final.

Sherwood also hailed the unselfish nature of the 22-year old Denmark international as he played a huge part in the Premier League survival of the club despite suffering from persistent injury problems.

He said: "In his mind he thinks his job is done because he is doing it for the team. That's the way he feels.

"I want him fit. Then I can make a choice. He really has gritted his teeth and got us over the line in the Premier League because he thought that was the priority. He is not thinking about himself.

"Last week he didn't train the whole week. He is a warrior who just wants to play for the club.

"His performances, particularly with this injury considered, have been excellent. If I want anyone to be in the trenches with me it would be him."