Jores Okore wants Villa link up with Ron Vlaar
Jores Okore today insisted he is ready to form a crucial partnership with Ron Vlaar to solve Aston Villa's defensive woes.
The centre-back has recovered from a cruciate knew ligament injury and is waiting for Vlaar's World Cup return.
Skipper Vlaar shone for Holland as they finished third in Brazil – despite missing a penalty in their semi-final shoot-out defeat to Argentina.
Okore has recovered from the season-ending injury he suffered in September and could make his return in Villa's first pre-season friendly at Mansfield tomorrow.
The pair are expected to be Paul Lambert's first choice defenders even with Philippe Senderos joining this summer.
Villa conceded 66 goals last season and Okore is eager to link-up with Vlaar to solidify the defence.
He said: "This past season he played really well for us at Villa and it continued into the World Cup. I am looking forward to him coming back - and playing with him will be amazing.
"I am really glad for him. I hope he can bring us some of that back to us and help us perform like he did throughout the summer.
"I was really happy that Ron got that far - to the semi-finals of the World Cup. I had hoped he would get to the final but he was unlucky. Through the whole tournament, he showed what he can do.
"Ron will have a great summer - I hope he relaxes - and then come back and perform the same way he did in the World Cup. I am looking forward to him being back."
