Ambrose set to join Hibs on loan

BRENDAN RODGERS has praised Efe Ambrose’s professionalism after the Nigerian international closed in on an emergency loan move to Championship leaders Hibernian. The 28-year-old Celtic defender saw a temporary deadline-day switch to Blackburn Rovers collapse due to work-permit issues. Last night, however, he was undergoing a medical in Edinburgh as his former boss at Parkhead, Neil Lennon, moved to land the 28-year-old after losing defenders Jordon Forster, Liam Fontaine and Paul Hanlon to injury. Hibs expect the paperwork to go through today, although the maximum time Ambrose will be allowed to stay under the emergency loan system is 93 days. Lennon signed Celtic’s Kris Commons in similar circumstances in December but his arrangement was only for 28 days. Despite Ambrose’s error-strewn reputation, Rodgers described him as the kind of man he would want alongside him if he was marching into war. But he admitted opportunities would have been limited for the player at Parkhead just now. ‘It was unfortunate for Efe that the Blackburn Rovers move didn’t come off,’ said Rodgers, whose side face a trip to Inverness tomorrow night. ‘There was an issue around clearance and work permit. It turns out Efe could play in Scotland but not England. ‘He’s been back here training since and I’ve arguably met the nicest man in football. ‘There aren’t too many men who come into your office regularly and talk about how they appreciate the training. ‘If you were going to war you would take Efe Ambrose with you, that’s for sure.’ Former Celtic boss Tony Mowbray, who has replaced the sacked Owen Coyle at Blackburn, has refused to rule out a summer move for Ambrose. ‘It was very, very difficult for us to get a work permit for him,’ said Mowbray. ‘It is potentially five, six or seven weeks out which takes a lot of games out. Whether we address it again, we will see.’ Meanwhile, ex-Hibs and Celtic striker Derek Riordan has joined League Two side Edinburgh City until the end of the season. The 34-year-old hasn’t played since being freed by York City at the end of last season.