New arrival of Derby County of England, Efe Ambrose says he is thrilled and glad with the opportunity to play under former Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard, who is now coach of the English Championship side.
Footballlive.ng reports that, while the former Super Eagles star is also keen on helping The Rams gain promotion back to the English Premier League, he is looking forward to a glorious debut in the FA Cup on Saturday, against Leon Aderemi Balogun’s Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 30-year-old defender, who has also played for Kaduna United, SC Ashdod of Israel as well as the Scottish duo of Celtic and Hibernian, is now seeking how to get his career back on track, while also eyeing a lift with The Rams into the EPL.
Ambrose, who joined Celtic in 2012, but moved on after five years to join SPL rivals, Hibernian, where he has spent two seasons, arrives at Derby as a free agent.
This is sequel to his falling out with The Hibs’ boss, Neil Lennon, who declared Ambrose surplus to requirements and the player was released before the January transfer window.
Ambrose embarked on a long hunt around for a new club, even spending time on trials with some, before getting the opportunity at Derby, a year after an effort to join Blackburn Rovers failed due to work permit issues.
Ambrose is now available to make his debut against Balogun’s Brighton in the FA Cup fixture at Pride Park on Saturday.
Ahead of the game, Ambrose said he is privileged to get a short term deal with Derby, whose boss he says inspires him as a legend, and he is determined to justify all confidence reposed in him.
Ambrose stated: “I signed a short-term deal that runs till the summer. I am delighted to join this ambitious club.
“I am honoured; and it is a privilege to play under a legend like Frank Lampard.”
