PHONE MIX-UP TO BLAME FOR AMBROSE’S LATE RETURN
EFE AMBROSE has admitted that he returned late to Hibs’ pre-season because he left his phone in Scotland when visiting family in Africa.
The Nigerian missed all of his side’s pre-season friendlies but made his return to the team on Friday night, as Hibs drew with Ross County in Dingwall before being edged 4-3 on penalties.
Manager Neil Lennon had said that Ambrose may have faced disciplinary action for his late return, though has since insisted that he was happy with the player’s explanation.
Ambrose (below) spent the second half of last season on loan at Easter Road from Celtic, and made the move permanent in the summer.
‘It was between me and the gaffer, a miscommunication,’ said Ambrose. ‘Everything’s been resolved. There was a complication and everything’s fine now. Maybe I was a little bit nervous about speaking to him, but when it comes to Neil Lennon, it’s always like that!
‘I know what happened and my conscience is clear because it was just a miscommunication. I tried to explain it all to him, so we’ll move on. I had to work hard when I was away and since I’ve been back, to make sure I’m fit enough to play in these games.
‘I left my phone in Scotland. It’s a different network in Africa, so I used a different one back home.
‘I wanted to enjoy the time with my family. I couldn’t communicate to anyone. I turned on my phone when I got back and saw a lot of messages!
‘I knew I had to face the gaffer. But he knows me and he’s someone who understands a player’s need, that you need privacy and time sometimes.
‘I had to stay in Africa for longer than expected, but I always work hard there. No matter where I am, I never stop playing — I never stop. I’d play twice a day sometimes.
‘Going back to Africa is when I am able to work hard and be refreshed.’
With Hibs making their return to the Scottish Premiership following three seasons in the Championship, Ambrose is confident that Lennon’s recruitment will stand the club in good stead for their tilt at the top flight.
‘The manager’s obviously brought in a few players over the summer to make us stronger and more experienced,’ he said. ‘The gaffer understands that the Premiership has different demands from the Championship. He knows what it takes to do well there.’