OWEN COYLE admits Efe Ambrose’s switch from Celtic to Blackburn is hanging in the balance.
The Ewood Park outfit faces a nervous wait to find out whether the 28-year-old will be granted a work permit to officially complete his deadline-day loan move.
Ambrose, who boasts 51 caps for Nigeria, does not automatically meet the English FA’s criteria – leaving both clubs in limbo as they await a decision from the governing body south of the Border.
With Nigeria ranked 50th in the world, he would require to have played at least 75 per cent of his country’s matches over the previous two years – whereas Ambrose only played five of their last 23 internationals.
Coyle said: “It’s an issue regarding the work permit and I’m led to believe there was dialogue over that.
“He’s played in the Champions League with Glasgow Celtic, has 51 caps for Nigeria, but I don’t really know the full criteria of moving from one country to another.
“He is a bona fide international, talking about his qualities as a
player, but it’s whether he meets the criteria and I think that’s where the issue has arisen.
“For me, it’s one or two things – you’re either eligible or you’re not.”
The defender was signed for the Parkhead club by Neil Lennon in 2012 and played a crucial role in the title-winning season as well as in the Champions League, featuring in the memorable 2-1 victory over Barcelona en route to the last 16 of the competition.
"He has made 113 appearances for Celtic, scoring five goals. But Ambrose has been struggling for game time under manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, having made just two appearances this season. And he is desperate to kick-start his career in Lancashire.
Ambrose said: “This is an opportunity for me to start fresh again. It’s to prove a point and to go there to do my part to contribute to the club.
“I know the situation they are in. They are at the bottom so I want to help them get out of relegation. That’s the most important thing for me right now. It’s a massive club, so it’s a good move for me.”
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