Efe: ‘We gave our best, now bring on Hearts’
Efe Ambrose admitted Celtic deserved to reach the Betfred Cup final but was proud of the way Hibs went down fighting.
The defender didn’t try to make excuses for the way the Edinburgh side lost two goals in the first half.
He said: “All four goals were cheap goals and they were gifts for Celtic.
“But they needed to work the ball into those positions. They are good finishers and took their chances.
“They have players that can really hurt you. They were able to bring on Dembele and he got two goals. “The best team won.” Ambrose took heart from the way Neil Lennon’s men came back into the match.
He went on: “After we conceded the second goal, we had to go all out to try and win the game.
“We tried our best to give them a fright near the end.
“We also showed we can take our chances when they come along.
“Now we can only look ahead to the next game against Hearts
“It will be my first Edinburgh derby and we’re determined to give the fans something to celebrate.
“We can to win as many games as we can because we need to finish in the top six this season.”
Hibs winger Brandon Barker expects an explosive reaction from the Hibees against Hearts at Easter Road on Tuesday.
He said: “I’d advise the fans to prepare for fireworks in the game.
“We hope we can make up for this defeat. We have just gone toe-to-toe with Celtic and competed. “That should give us confidence.” The on-loan Manchester City player was kicking himself for not marking Lustig properly at the opening goal.
He added: “They got a flick on and my man scored. That was disappointing.
“There’s more to come from me and the rest of the boys.”