By Daily Sports on July 11, 2016

There is a section of the Celtic support who turn to nervous wrecks at the mere mention of Efe Ambrose.

One look at the teamsheet and they get the thousand-yard stare.

Well, those guys should perhaps look away now.

Ambrose says he’s here to stay. There’s been talk about Germans Bayer Leverkusen being keen but the big Nigerian is not interested.

Celtic Park is his home and he has no intention of leaving. He’s determined to be part of the Brendan Rodgers revolution.

That revelation might have some Hoops punters pouring a stiff drink but for all his moments of madness on the pitch there’s no denying the defender’s desire.

He said: “Yeah, it can be tough 
but that’s when you show your character, determination and willpower. I’m a man. I never give up, I always stand up, I keep on fighting. I’m a fighter.

“The most important thing is that the club always comes first.”

Perhaps Ambrose has turned over a new leaf. Maybe he can be more consistent and cut out the kamikaze stuff. There’s been some good signs out in Slovenia.

The Nigeria international was late to the party after the usual visa hold-ups but he’s impressed since he caught up.

Ambrose helped keep clean sheets in the win over Olimpija Ljubljana and in the goalless draw with Maribor on Saturday.

He’s barely put a foot wrong. It might be that Rodgers will be the man to get the best out of Efe.

Ambrose said: “The manager has told me to keep it simple, don’t force it. He told me I have everything he needs and he sees what I can bring to the team.

“As a defender you have to focus, stay compact and he has brought that into training, the way he wants to play.

“He’s already helped. We’ve been together for three weeks and have already improved. With him we can do much better.”

The early indications suggest Celtic are being whipped in to shape. The Maribor draw was the last of four matches in Slovenia as the Hoops jetted to Gibraltar to prepare for the Lincoln Red Imps tomorrow night.

Saturday’s game didn’t reveal too much – apart from a hint at the manager’s 
first-choice side and shape.

It looks like it will be a 4-3-3, and it will be either Ryan Christie, Stuart Armstrong or Liam Henderson up top with Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths.

Stefan Johansen’s injury should open the door to Tom Rogic but Rodgers has options.

He’s also pretty calm, despite making just one signing so far in Dembele. Rodgers was far from calm on Saturday evening though as he gave Maribor defender Erik Janza both barrels for spitting 
on Griffiths.

“Disgraceful” was how he put it. Rodgers is only in the door two minutes but already seems fiercely protective of his players.

They feel in safe hands as they head into treacherous waters of Champions League qualification.

Ambrose said: “For two years we’ve not been there and it’s not been Celtic. So this time we want to get back to being Celtic, to play in the Champions League and compete there. That’s our aim.

“In the past two years I don’t think we’ve had good preparation before Champions League games. But the manager made everyone come in earlier so we can prepare properly and have more time to get ready for the game.”

•Text from dailyrecod.co.uk. Photo shows Efe Ambose.

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 11, 2016

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