A CELTIC cult hero who marked Lionel Messi in a Champions League win against a prime Barcelona squad has joined Workington Reds. 

Efe Ambrose, a former Nigeria international, played for the Glasgow side from 2012 to 2017 where he made over 100 appearances and bagged five goals for the club. 

The defender's name became well-known throughout Scotland's footballing tiers where he played for seven clubs, including the likes of Hibernian, Queen of the South, St Johnstone, and Livingston. 

Playing in a backline alongside the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and in front of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, the 35-year-old's career has seen him up against the very best in football including Kaka. 

Outside of his club career, Ambrose has scooped up 51 international caps for Nigeria and also won the African Cup of Nations in 2013, where he was also named in the team of the tournament. 

His move to the Northern Premier League side follows a short spell at Bury FC in the North West Counties Football League. 

Despite only being with the side since June, the versatile defender received a full guard of honour as he did his signature backflip on his way up the tunnel. 

 

He has already played in the FA Cup for Bury so his Workington debut will be delayed until September 7 when Warrington Rylands visit Borough Park.

Manager Mark Fell said: “Efe is a really experienced player who is going to bring loads to the team. He can play in one or two positions and I am looking forward to him being eligible to play for us.”

Fell also revealed that he is also trying to bring in a second experienced player he has worked with previously "who will bring a lot to the dressing room."