Efe Ambrose believes Hibs success is a ‘collective effort’

Hibs’ defender Efe Ambrose believes that the club’s success this season is down to the collective effort of the players, management, staff and fans.

With two games remaining Hibs hopes of their first second place finish in over 40 years are still alive after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Aberdeen.

Hibs now travel to Tynecastle on Wednesday before facing Rangers on Sunday to decide where they will finish in the table.

Ambrose has played a significant role for Hibs this season and he insists that he will not change his style of playing the ball out from the back despite the danger that sometimes brings.

Speaking after the final whistle to Cliff Pike of Hibernian TV, the popular African said: “We knew that losing to Aberdeen would damage our chances of automatic second place spot so we came here with the mindset of winning and not losing.

“We had opportunities but the most important thing was staying in the game. We knew that keeping a clean sheet was really important here because last time we lost the game due to our poor performance.

“They are a good team and tactically they are sound. Their main threat was set pieces, long balls and second balls so we worked on that and that’s what kept us in the game.

“The most important thing was for us to step up and show the consistency we have shown in the second half of the season. As you can see, the team is getting stronger and stronger. The team has been solid, not just the players but the coaching crew, the fans and the staff. I believe it’s a collective thing.

“The gaffer (Neil Lennon) knows me. I don’t like to kick the ball long because that just brings back the pressure. For me I will always find a way for us to play and we have good players who can hold the ball so why kick the ball long when we have players who can play football.

“After the split, every game is very important and every game is like a cup final. We are not thinking about the derby we are thinking about a football match because the most important thing is about winning the game. The derby is for the fans to come and enjoy but the three points is the most important thing for us.”