Efe Ambrose has joined Hibs from Celtic on an emergency loan deal for 93 days after the Nigerian’s proposed move to Blackburn Rovers collapsed over work permit issues.

Three of Hibs’ central defenders, Paul Hanlon, Liam Fontaine and Jordon Forster are currently injured and the club face St Mirren tomorrow night.

In addition, the only fit central defender Darren McGregor is suspended for the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Ayr United hence the move for the 28-year old who was signed by Neil Lennon for Celtic five years ago.

Lennon defended Ambrose who has previously made some high profile mistakes whilst playing for the Hoops and told STV: “It’s almost as if the previous four years has been erased from his football career.  This is a guy who’s played Champions League against the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan.

“He’s won doubles, he’s won league championships, he’s won the Africa Cup of Nations. The list goes on.

“Yes, he’s had some mistakes but I played with players, Bobo Balde for example, who made a couple of high-profile errors as well.

“Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about that. They’re human beings at the end of the day.

“For me, he’s a very consistent player and I think we’ve done good business.

 “He’s a very good player. He’s very fit and has a great robustness about him. In my four years at Celtic I don’t think I ever came across him injured. He was really consistent for me.

“I know he’s had a bit of a low period at Celtic over the last couple of years but you never lose the quality. I think he’ll make us better.

“He’s got great pace, reads the game well, can head it and he’s a threat at set plays. To get him is a bit of a coup, really.

Lennon also revealed he is set to sign Brian McLean on a short-term deal pending international clearance.

The former Motherwell, Falkirk, Dundee United and Ross County defender is a free agent after leaving Brunei DPMM

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.