Jores Okore hits back at Aston Villa claims

The Denmark international has not been involved in Villa's last three games.

Caretaker boss Eric Black last week claimed the 23-year-old had asked not to be considered for selection, after refusing a place on the bench for the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month.

Yet Okore, who is already facing possible disciplinary action from the club, last night refuted the accusation on social media.

He posted a message on Twitter which read: "I refuse to play?, I was on the bench against Chelsea and the games before, why didn't I refuse to play those games?

"There must be more to it then (sic) MR. Eric Black is telling you!"

Revelations over Okore's alleged behaviour came during another disastrous week for Villa, which began with their relegation from the Premier League being rubber-stamped.

It ended with them suffering a tenth successive defeat, as they were beaten 4-2 at home by Southampton.

In between, directors David Bernstein and Mervyn King resigned just weeks after joining, club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor was suspended as Villa launched an investigation into his conduct.

Owner Randy Lerner then issued a statement taking responsibility for the club's relegation. Okore looks likely to remain with Villa's Under-21s for the rest of the season.

Speaking on Friday, Black said: "I spoke to Jores the week beginning the Bournemouth game and I thought he responded well and thought he trained extremely well.

"But once I named the team on the Friday, Jores asked to see me and told me that he didn't want to be considered to be on the bench, which I found surprising.

"I withdrew him from the squad. I met him again on the Monday. He told me again he didn't want to be considered for any of the games going forwards.

"At that point, I really didn't have a choice apart from remove him. I don't want people who don't want to be at Aston Villa and the Bournemouth game was a massive game for us.

"So he has gone to the Under-21s and that's what happens."