BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
NEIL LENNON is ready to haul AWOL Efe Ambrose over the coals – as the Hibs boss revealed that Simon Church has impressed on trial at Easter Road.
Nigerian internationalist Ambrose was afforded an extended summer break, but Lennon fully expected him to return to Edinburgh early this week.
Instead, the Hibs head coach cannot even get in touch with his star defender.
Lennon, who watched his side down Berwick thanks to goals from Danny Handling and Oli Shaw, has now urged the former Hoops man to return swiftly – or face the consequences.
He said: “There’s no sign of Efe – so he is in a bit of trouble with the manager now. I can’t get a hold of him at all.
“He was given a wee bit of time off but I think he is pushing the boundaries at the minute. The sooner he is back, for his sake, the better. I expected him back a lot sooner than this and it will be getting discussed behind closed doors.
“He’s got that to look forward to when he gets back!”
Lennon, who is ready to discuss terms with trialist Jermaine Pennant in the next 48 hours, resisted the temptation to field Wales international Simon Church at Shielfield as Hibs claimed a 2-0 win over Berwick Rangers, but confirmed that the ex-Aberdeen man is training with the Easter Road outfit.
He continued: “Simon came in on Tuesday. He is a good player, with plenty of experience – but he is still only 28. He’s a Welsh international and has done very well. We are assessing his condition and fitness levels and we’ll see how he integrates with the squad.
“He has impressed us but it’s a little early to say for sure what will happen.”
