Sherwood will wait on Okore

TIM SHERWOOD will give “selfl ess warrior” Jores Okore every chance to prove his fi tness for the FA Cup fi nal.

The Danish centreback, who is nursing a knee problem, has put his body on the line to help Aston Villa to Premier League safety.

But with top- fl ight status secured, Okore failed to train last week and sat out Sunday’s defeat by Burnley. The 22- year- old now faces a battle to prove his fi tness to face Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday.

Manager Sherwood has hailed the lionhearted centre- back’s unselfi sh attitude in putting the club’s needs ahead of his own Wembley dream.

Sherwood said: “In his mind he thinks his job is done because he is doing it for the team. I want him fi t. Then I can make a choice. He really has gritted his teeth and got us over the line in the Premier League because he thought that was the priority.

“He is not thinking about himself. He is a warrior who just wants to play for the club.

“His performances, particularly with this injury considered, have been excellent.

“If I want anyone to be in the trenches with me it would be him. Unfortunately the knee is too bad so he is going to need some assistance . I’m hoping not surgery but I am not sure.”

Sherwood already has keeper Shay Given ( groin) and left- back Kieran Richardson ( calf) doubtful and Ciaran Clark ( knee) out.

VILLA are battling QPR for Swindon duo Massimo Luongo and Ben Gladwin. Both clubs have offered £ 3.5 million for the midfi elders but the Robins want £ 4m.