The 21-year-old, who joined from Danish side Nordsjaelland last summer, had his season cut short after just four Villa appearances when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Okore underwent surgery and missed the remainder of a campaign which saw Villa limp home in 15th place after another worrying battle for survival.

It's left Lambert under pressure after a season which saw many of last summer's recruits fail to shine and Okore is counting down the days until he can prove his worth.

"It's about next season for me. That's my focus. I am looking forward to that. I can't wait. It can't come quick enough," he says.

"It will be the coming season when I get my big chance again to prove myself. I want to show what I can do.

"The manager has been very supportive with me. He bought me – he showed great faith in me and now I want to repay him.

"I am so determined to play well and impress."

Lambert's future is still shrouded in doubt with the club up for sale and speculation that new American investors could take the club off Randy Lerner's hands.

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But with the clock ticking, the shorter odds are that the embattled manager will again be at the helm and Okore is desperate to prove his worth.

He added: "I just want to be able to turn around to the manager and say 'you were right to buy me.' I want to repay his big faith.

"I want to develop here and be the best player I can be. I want to make a difference."