EFE AMBROSE fully appreciate the important role that Neil Lennon has played in his career. As Celtic took centre stage this week drawing glamorous opponents like Bayern Munch and PSG in the Champions League, the Nigerian defender’s mind will have drifted back to that night in November 2012 when Lennon picked him to start against the superstars of Barcelona and only a late Messi strike, a mere consolidation on the night, was all that got past the Celtic defence.
It was a remarkable win for Neil Lennon’s side and clearly the highlight of Ambrose’s career in the East End of Glasgow.
This season, the two are friends re-united thanks to the ambitious plans that Hibernian have for their club now that they are firmly back where they belong in the Premiership.
And Ambrose knows that Lennon is the man to keep Hibs there and also get the best from the player who was not without his critics after his Celtic career hit rock bottom in the dying days of Ronny Deila’s time as Celtic boss.
Speaking about Lennon, who is set to sign an new 3 year contract at Easter Road, Ambrose is full of praise.
“He tries to bring the best out of me and he doesn’t take nonsense. He always comes to your face to tell you what he thinks and feels,” Ambrose said.
“Even in training, you are always aware Neil Lennon is there looking at you. That always motivates you to be responsible, be ready at every given time, and work hard.
“His most important thing is, you have to be fit. If you are not fit, he hounds you. You have to be fit for him to play you.
“Once he sees you training and you are not up to it, if he sees you are slack or your shape is not good, he is on you and you know you are in for it.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to keep him smiling – the best way is to do the right thing on the pitch, give him the result and work hard.”
