EFE AMBROSE is confident the Bhoys' father figure, Neil Lennon, has called it just right by taking Celtic to Turkey in the middle of a hectic season.

The central defender has no fear the decision to participate in the Antalya Cup, starting tomorrow night, will not interrupt their good form.

Ambrose was helping Nigeria win the African Cup of Nations while his Parkhead team-mates were benefiting from a mid-season break in Spain this time last year.

And, the 25-year-old - who has played in all-but two of Celtic's 34 games this term - believes Lennon will use his squad wisely in the games against Trabzonspor and either Ajax or Galatasaray.

Ambrose said: "He is the boss and we will do what he wants.

"Sometimes he's like a father to some of us as he has helped us with so many things.

"But we are not going to just relax. After going out the Champions League, winning this tournament would be very good for us."

Lennon believes Ambrose is back to his very best form, good enough to make him a contender for the Player of the Year awards.

But, while personal plaudits act as confirmation he has shaken off the inconsistency which plagued him in the second half of his debut season in the Hoops, Ambrose wants more tangible rewards.

That means helping the Hoops to lift more trophies to add to the league and cup double collected last year.

And, the longer the unbeaten run continues in the title race, the quicker he will achieve that goal.

Ambrose told the club's website: "It won't be easy, but every day we have to improve and do better in each game we play.

"We're still trying to do this, not only in defence, but in every area of the pitch."