FORMER HOOPS ACE’S RAM RAID

FORMER Celtic defender Efe Ambrose has joined Frank Lampard’s Championship side Derby County on a short-term deal, as CQN reported last week.

The one-time Hoops fans’ favourite had been on the look-out for a club since quitting Hibs during last month’s transfer window.

Ex-Easter Road boss Neil Lennon, who brought the Nigerian international to Parkhead from Israeli side FC Ashdod, wanted to offer the versatile player a new deal, but he triggered a clause in his contract to allow him to walk free.

The former Celtic gaffer followed him shortly afterwards.

Rams boss Lampard confirmed he was impressed with Ambrose during his trial period and the player admitted: “I signed a short term deal with Derby County that runs till the summer.

“I am delighted to join this ambitious club.

“I am honoured and it is a privilege to play under a legend like Frank Lampard.

“The club’s target is to get the automatic promotion or play-off spot, which I pray that I could be able to play a big part of that by helping them achieve this by God’s grace.”

Brendan Rodgers used the defender sparingly after his arrival at Parkhead in May 2016. He was allowed to rejoin Lennon on loan in Edinburgh and the move became permanent at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

One of Ambrose’s last appearances for Hibs came in the team’s 2-0 win over the champions at Easter Road in December.