Aston Villa defender Jores Okore has revealed he has been relegated to the club's Under 21s side after a frank discussion with temporary manager Eric Black.

The Denmark international has made only a handful of appearances for the relegated club this term and has not featured since the 2-0 defeat by Tottenham on March 13.

With the club likely to offload several players ahead of next season's Championship campaign, Okore's future at Villa Park appears uncertain - especially after his request for more playing time was met with a negative reaction from Black.

Aston Villa defender Jores Okore (left) has been demoted to the Under 21s by temporary boss Eric Black

Villa players look dejected after defeat by Manchester United confirmed their Premier League relegation

Speaking to Danish newspaper BT, he said: 'I have unfortunately been relegated to U21 team.

'There currently is a situation between me and the manager. I've said things straight out to him, and it has then resulted in me not being a part of the first team squad right now.'

The 23-year-old has not featured since Black took temporary charge following the departure of former manager Remi Garde.

Okore claims that he was sent to train with the youngsters after asking Black for more playing time

OKORE'S LEAGUE STATS 2015/16 Appearances: 12 Goals: 0 Passing accuracy: 81% Duels won: 52% Avg defensive actions: 10 Defensive mistakes: 0 Yellow/red cards: 1/0 Advertisement

'I told him that I think I deserve a fair chance to play and perform, and I think I've done well enough in the few matches... but the manager was not happy with it, and therefore he pulled me down to the U21 team,' added Okore.

'It's a little sad actually. My daily life is that I go out and train with the young players and then just keep myself in physically good shape, so I'm ready to seize the next opportunity I get, when the coach wants me to play a match for us. It's just to keep in as good shape as possible.