HOOPS MISFIT EYES ENGLISH TOP FLIGHT

FORMER Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, who was frozen out by Brendan Rodgers, could be playing in England’s top flight next season.

The 30-year-old Nigerian international is a free agent after invoking a clause in his Hibs contract that allowed him to walk free in the January transfer window.

Ambrose, who left the Hoops when his deal expired at the end of season 2017/18, has been linked with clubs in England and Turkey.

Celtic actually accepted a bid of £300,000 for him from Belgian outfit Standard Liege in August 2016, but he decided to remain at Parkhead.

However, it now looks as though Derby boss Frank Lampard could offer him a return to football with a deal at the promotion-chasing Championship outfit.

Former Easter Road gaffer Neil Lennon, who bought the player for the Parkhead side from Israeli club Ashdod in the summer of 2012 and was reunited with the Nigerian initially on a loan basis two years ago, was interested in keeping Ambrose at the Edinburgh men.

However, the versatile back-four performer will now spend a few days training with Lampard’s team who are currently seventh in the table and aiming for a promotion play-off place at the end of the campaign.