Efe backs Mac to be Hoops hit
EFE AMBROSE believes John McGinn has the attitude and talent to be a smash-hit at Celtic.
And he has no doubt, should Hibs agree terms with their Parkhead counterparts, McGinn can meet the challenge of becoming a mainstay with Brendan Rodgers’s double treble winners.
Ambrose said: “John can make the step up – he has the quality and the ability to succeed at Celtic.”
No player at Hibs knows the expectations and pressure that go hand in hand with the rewards of pulling on the Hoops better than the Nigerian.
Ambrose enjoyed the highs of six major honours, an iconic victory against Barcelona and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.
He also endured lows, at times a figure of fun due to high-profile errors that marred otherwise impressive displays.
And Ambrose said: “He knows the stature of the club so I don’t need to say much about it.
“But if he does get there he’ll need to fight for his place because it’s not easy at a club like Celtic.
“There are quality players all around you and they will all want to play. So he’ll have to fight.
“Celtic comes with huge responsibility and the fans are special. If he does join them then that we would wish him well. He can succeed there.”
Celtic saw an initial bid for the Scotland star, BY JOHN GARDNER believed to be around £1.5million, rejected on Monday evening but intend to test Hibs’ resolve with a second swoop.
Neil Lennon’s initial valuation on the Leith side’s prize asset was £5m but McGinn has just 12 months to run on his current deal.
Ambrose added: “I am not surprised to see Celtic come in for a player of John’s quality.
“It’s a big compliment Celtic are looking here for players. When you are doing well people look at you and this squad did well last season.”
It remains to be seen whether McGinn is part of the Hibs side that lines up for their Europa League clash against Runavik at Easter Road on Thursday.
A second-qualifying round tie against Asteras Tripolis of Greece awaits.
Meanwhile, Liam Henderson is training with former club Hibs as he weighs up his future amid interest from Serie A.
Henderson, 22, who joined Bari from Celtic in a bargain £115,000 deal in January, is back in Scotland during the Italian close season.
Lennon worked with the playmaker during his time as Celtic boss. But he won’t be making a transfer swoop for Hibs’ 2016 Scottish Cup-winning hero, understood to be returning to Italy next week.
Troubled Bari rejected a £2m bid for Henderson from Fiorentina, according to reports, with Parma also thought to be admirers.