Efe Ambrose says UEFA will never silence Hibs boss Neil Lennon – because you can hear him roaring in the stands.
The Easter Road gaffer has been hit with a new touchline ban by UEFA.
That means he won’t be rattling off orders from the dugout for the second-leg Europa League qualifier with Greek side Asteras Tripolis on Thursday.
Ambrose led a stunning revival in the home leg on Thursday as Hibs fought back from 2-0 down to win the tie 3-2 and take a narrow lead to Tripolis.
But the defender isn’t worried that his gaffer’s absence from the frontline could have an impact on his troops.
(Image: PA)
Not when he could hear him yelling at his players from his seat in the stand above the noise of an excited 14,000 crowd on a big Euro night at Easter Road.
The Nigerian said: “We can still do it, with or without the manager on the bench. We owe it to ourselves, the coach and the fans to get through this tie.
“You can still hear him from the stands anyway!
“No, the most important thing is that Lennon sets up how he wants us to play on the training ground and we will work hard on that.”
Last week’s tie should have brought to an end a four-match European dugout ban issued by UEFA.
Hibs manager Neil Lennon
(Image: SNS Group)
Lennon got that after being sent off during his first match in charge against Danish outfit Brondby two years ago. But he learned last week that he’s to serve a new one-match suspension.
UEFA decided he’d flaunted the first ban by using gestures to coach the side during Hibs’ 6-1 home win over Runavik in the previous round.
The Hibees boss has branded the decision “scandalous” but Ambrose insists it won’t effect the players.
And that’s because they know the Northern Irishman is with them in spirit all of the time – even if he isn’t bawling them out from the bench.
Ambrose said: “His presence on the bench would be extra motivation but we still know he’s with us.
“His presence is always there, you can still feel it. ”
Ambrose sparked the raucous revival against Tripolis, scrambling home from Stevie Mallan’s corner to make it 2-1.
(Image: Action Plus)
Skipper David Gray rattled home the equaliser before Flo Kamberi’s 93rd-minute winner.
Ambrose has represented Celtic in the Champions League last-16 and defeated Barcelona – but the turnaround left even him stunned.
He said: “Wow! That’s all I can say. That was one of the most special European games for me.
“It’s not easy to come back from 2-0 down with the pressure to win at home – but we knew we could.
“The mentality and character in the team is good. No matter what happens, we still believe and never give up.”
Including the 5-5 draw that brought the curtain down on their Premiership campaign last term, Hibs have scored 20 goals in their last four competitive fixtures while conceding 12.
So it’s little surprise the capital club have no intention of shutting up shop in Tripolis. Ambrose said: “We are going there to win. That’s our mentality.
“Going there to defend is not us. Let’s attack and make sure we get the win.”
Ambrose also praised the professionalism of star man John McGinn.
The Hibs midfielder proved his head has not been turned by Celtic’s £2m bid as he took the first leg by the scruff of the neck and inspired their fightback.
It was the type of performance that emphasises why the Hoops are so keen to take the Scotland star west this summer.
Former Hoops stopper Ambrose is certain McGinn will earn the big move he deserves sometime in the future.
(Image: SNS)
But he warned Celtic they won’t be the only top side chasing his team-mate.
Ambrose said: “It was difficult at the start for John. But this is part of football.
“Speculation is something you need to deal with, especially when a great team and opportunity comes in.
“I’ve been in sides where a player has been affected in this way. I’ve seen it at Celtic – and you need to be strong. John is such a good guy with a great mentality and knows his time will come.
“The most important thing for him is to keep playing and helping the team.
“He is a big player for us, a great leader, and helps to motivate the boys. So we are delighted to have him in the team.
“He needs to play and improve. The more he plays, the more people see him and the more clubs are aware of him.
“He has been doing great since coming back into the team. So I think everybody will be watching him, not just Celtic.
“He’s patient. The most important thing for John to know is that if you are patient, you get what you really deserve.
“He’s going to get what he deserves with Celtic or some other team that comes in for him. In time, he’s going to get the best.”
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