Dwight Yorke is desperate to start a career in management – but believes he is being hindered by the colour of his skin.

The former Premier League star put himself forward to take charge of Aston Villa, where he enjoyed legendary status as a player, earlier this year.

Yorke was endorsed by his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for the Villa job but failed to even land an interview.

He is still yet to be given a chance to kick off his coaching career and the 44-year-old feels there is a real reluctance within football to give aspiring black managers an opportunity.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Yorke said: “You just have to look around and see how many black players have been given opportunities to be managers. You think of the number of [black] players represented at the top level and in the lower leagues and the percentage doesn’t add up.

“I can’t get my head around it. You are not even being given an interview, let alone a job.

“I have played at the top and won trophies and played with the great players and you see these players get opportunities, but when it comes to black players they are simply not being given the same opportunity.

“You look at Steve Bruce – he came straight out of playing into management. Roy Keane – the same. Southgate – the same. When it comes to black managers they are not being given that opportunity.

“I asked for an interview [at Villa]. I wasn’t on the shortlist. I spoke to [chief executive] Keith Wyness by text, and he said: ‘no, we’re not interested’. I didn’t even have an interview, even though I had someone like Sir Alex ready to endorse me.

“I am not disappointed with the appointment of Steve Bruce, when you look at what he has done in the game and in terms of getting teams promoted, fine. But the fact they are not prepared to listen to you is more of a concern.”