Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has revealed that Jores Okore should be fit for the start of next season.

The Danish defender joined the club last summer, but he was forced to miss the majority of the 2013-14 campaign after sustaining knee ligament damage in September.

However, Lambert expects the 21-year-old to be back amongst the squad when they return for pre-season training.

"Jores trained towards [the end] of the season for a couple of weeks and was doing great," the Scot told the Birmingham Mail.

"He'll probably need fitness like anybody else because he's been out a long time. I think Jores will be okay for the start of the season."

Villa finished last season in 15th place in the Premier League table.