Jores Okore has paid tribute to the leadership of Fabian Delph after he battled back from long-term injury at Aston Villa.

The Denmark defender is back after missing last season with a knee injury.

"It was really hard to feel at home and feel settled," he admits to Villa's website. "I came here to do a job and that was going out and playing football and training every day - not being stuck in the gym.

"It is really tough to come to a new country and have to start out with a long, bad injury.

"That is a hard thing to overcome along with everything else.

"It was also a bit weird because I didn't really know everyone that well and the easiest way to get to know them is to be outside training every day.

"When you are isolated and not with the rest of the team, you feel more restricted.

"But the guys were great and they came and talked to me all the time and tried to keep my head up.

"Fabian Delph particularly was very supportive. He has been through the same injury as me so he knew what I was going through. That really helped me in my rehab.

"The guys didn't make me feel like I was alone in this.

"Now everything is going a lot better. I'm training every day and I'm getting along great with the lads."