Lennon delighted to be in last eight but tells Ambrose to cut out the nonsense
Neil Lennon has demanded more from Efe Ambrose after the defender’s slips almost cost Hibs a place in the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup.
Hibs trailed twice against Championship side Ross County but reached the last eight after Daryl Horgan’s winner in time added on secured a 3-2 win.
Hibs now face Aberdeen at Easter Road in the tie of the round. But it could have been different had they failed to respond to going behind after Ambrose conceded a penalty following a lazy challenge on County striker Declan Mcmanus in the second half. Josh Mullin scored from the spot to put County ahead for the second time.
“In the first half (Martin) Boyle had a couple of great chances to put us into a comfortable lead but we gifted goals,” said Lennon. “Efe has got to stop it, it’s a piece of nonsense that second goal and it’s just uncalled for.”
Providing he stays out of trouble Lennon should be able to watch the quarterfinal tie and other games, including Saturday’s league clash with Aberdeen, from the dugout. His three-match domestic touchline ban has now ended. He has also served a European ban.
“It will be a novelty to be back there,” he said. “I am pleased. It’s almost as if my season is starting now as well. I will just get some work done on the training ground and do the job I’m paid to do.”
Lennon, meanwhile, has welcomed the imminent arrival of Australian midfielder Mark Milligan who he hopes will add some stature to his diminutive Hibs team.
The Hibs manager’s options for next month’s quarter-final against the Dons have increased thanks to the signing of Milligan on a two-year deal. The muchtravelled 33-year-old’s arrival promises to add some bite and physical presence.
“We need physicality,” said Lennon.“lookingatustoday we look like the seven dwarfs out there at times. Mark will bring that. He is athletic. He is very experienced.
“He had a good World Cup and I like his composure on the ball and he is a big boy and can get around the pitch. He is due in today or tomorrow. Obviously some paperwork needs to be negotiated.
I think he is all right to train but he is just not ready to play quite yet.”
Lennon said he had taken a “bit of a gamble” with his team selection for yesterday’s 3-2 win over Ross County following his side’s taxing trip to face Molde in the Europa League.
Hibs suffered a 3-0 defeat in Norway and the manager duly made six changes.
Daryl Horgan came in for his first start and scored a late winner as well as laying on Hibs’ first equaliser for David Gray.
“His delivery for the first goalistremendousanditwas a great header from Dave as well, he really attacked it brilliantly,” said Lennon.
“It’s nice to have a lefty, a natural left winger but he [Horgan] can play on both sides.”