Efe Ambrose on Hib’s radar

NEIL LENNON plans to sign Efe Ambrose on a permanent deal in the summer when the Nigerian international’s contract expires at Celtic.

Ambrose was left frustrated in the January transfer window when his proposed move to Blackburn Rovers fell through due to the FA refusing the player a work permit. Ambrose wishes to stay in the UK to complete the period necessary to secure British citizenship so a move to Europe isn’t really suitable for the 28 year old defender.

And Ambrose admitted that he’d have to prove himself all over again when the then Blackburn manager Owen Coyle made his move to sign the player on loan from the Scottish Champions at the start of the year.

When that move fell through Neil Lennon was able to snap up the player he signed for Celtic four years ago and he has been a revelation as Hibs have stormed past the finishing line to secure the Championship and with it a long overdue return to the top flight of Scottish football.

Now the Hibs manager has confirmed that is is keen to sign Ambrose on a permanent deal which will keep the Nigerian at Easter Road for the next three seasons.

“That’s something we’re looking into,” Lennon admitted.

“He’s not our player, but if we get an opportunity to sit down with him next week and see what his plans are, then it’s something we will pursue. Obviously we’d have to speak to Efe, his representatives and Celtic as well.

“It’ll depend on his own personal circumstances. He’s just had a baby boy. Does he want to stay in Scotland? If so, there aren’t many better clubs outside Celtic than here,” the former Celtic boss said.

”Does he see himself in England? If so, there are visa issues he’d have to consider. He’s a lot to think about over the next couple of months.

“It’s been a very good move personally for him and also for us. He’s back playing and showing the country what he’s capable of, the quality of player he is. He loves playing football and he’s playing big games again. He’s a great kid to have around the place – he’s a joy to work with,” Lennon stated.

“He knows what I demand because of the familiarity we have and I think he’s enjoyed being around the club. He’s certainly enjoyed the adulation that he’s got from the fans – that’s been in abundance.

“I think he needed that because some of the outpourings of ridicule were way over the top. He’s a class player,” he stressed.

“As I’ve said before, it’s no disgrace not playing regularly at Celtic at the minute because the bar’s been raised, but he’s still got a huge amount of quality and can play at a very high level in the game.”

Certainly in the eyes of the public here, Efe has shown what a quality player he is.”

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