Scottish Championship side Hibernian have made it clear that they want to retain the services of Efe Ambrose, who is on-loan from Glasgow Celtic.

The Nigeria international, who is a defender by trade, is currently on a short-term loan deal at Hibernian from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic.

Hibernian manager and coach Neil Lennon has confirmed their interest in signing Ambrose on a permanent deal at the end of the current season.

“That’s something we’re looking into,” Lennon told Edinburg Evening News.

“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,” he continued.

“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,” he added.

“He knows what I demand because of the familiarity we have there [from their times together at Celtic] 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 [at Celtic] 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.”

The 28-year-old defender has featured in nine league games for Hibernian, who have already won this season’s Championship title and clinched promotion to the Premiership.

•Photo shows Efe Ambrose.