EFE AMBROSE has seen Neil Lennon bring in two more defenders and a striker over the summer, with the promise of even more to come.

The Nigerian internationalist reckons the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, Steven Mouyokolo and Amido Balde means only two things – the squad will be even stronger for another assault on prizes at home and in Europe and the competition for places will force everyone to up their game for a starting place.

Even with the sale of his best pal, Victor Wanyama, and the expected departure of Gary Hooper, Ambrose can see only positives for the coming campaign.

And while his prediction Celtic can go to the last eight of the Champions League has raised the eyebrows of many – including Lennon – there is no denying the Hoops boss is getting close to his goal of creating fierce competition for places throughout his side.

It is this challenge Ambrose believes has allowed Celtic to hit the ground running at the start of what is set to be another marathon season.

The tone was set with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Cliftonville in their opening Champions League qualifier in Belfast last week.

Ambrose believes another flat-out performance in the second leg tonight will allow Celtic to ease through to the next round, where they are likely to face Elfsborg.

Recognising how tough it might be to regain a place, with the likes of Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Charlie Mulgrew close to rejoining the battle for jerseys, Ambrose said: "Football is challenging. It's why we have more than 22 players here.

"And it's why you have to keep yourself in good shape and keep proving to the manager you are ready to play and have the hunger to play.

"Without a challenge, you can never be a better player, and that's what we all want to be.

"So it's good that we have brought in players like Virgil and Steven.

"It means that as a defender you have to work harder to prove yourself. You know that if you don't do well then there is someone here to take your place.

"I am ready to face that challenge and prove myself every time I play. I like that pressure."

Celtic should not feel any great pressure this evening after securing a comfortable lead from the first leg.

However, Ambrose said: "We have to wait to see what tactics the manager has for us – but we want to win.

"We're playing at Celtic Park and with the fans who will be here the motivation will be better than it was in Belfast."

It's the first of four home games for the Hoops, with Borussia Moenchengladbach in town for a friendly on Saturday, Elfsborg on course to visit a week tomorrow, then their SPFL season kicking off with a flag day game against Ross County a week on Saturday.

"It's good that we have all these home games," said Ambrose.

"It will give us more of an edge but we will be more relaxed and calmer. We got a lot of good results away last season but I believe everything starts at home."