Aston Villa defender Jores Okore is determined to get back to full fitness for manager Paul Lambert.
The Dane is recovering from a knee injury suffered early into the season.
Okore told Villa's website: "It's about next season for me now. I am looking forward to that. I can't wait. It can't come quick enough.
"It will be next season when I get my big chance again to prove myself. I want to show what I can do.
"The manager has been very supportive with me. He bought me - he showed great faith in me and now I want to repay him.
"He bought for me a reason - he must have believed in my ability. I will prove he was right! It's about getting up to speed, getting a good pre-season under my belt and then hopefully playing games.
"I am so determined to play well and impress and prove my ability to everyone - the players, the manager and the fans.
"I think next season will be the one that counts for me.
"I just want to be able to turn around to the manager and say 'you were right to buy me.' I want to repay his faith. I want to develop here and be the best player I can be. I want to make a difference."
