Brendan Rodgers has labelled Efe Ambrose as the “nicest man in football” as the Nigerian’s was poised on making an emergency loan move to Hibs last night.

Ambrose did not get the required work permit to enable his transfer switch to England to go through but is eligible to play for other clubs in Scotland.

And he leaves Celtic with the full respect of Rodgers.

The 28-year-old has made just two competitive appearances for the club this season but has won the appreciation of the Celtic manager.

“There’s no alternative but to come here and train,” said Rodgers. “I think there was an issue around clearance and work permit.

“They thought they could clear it up. He can play in Scotland but it doesn’t seem he could play down there.

“Efe was always going to stay in Britain for the duration of his contract. He’ll be looking for somewhere where he can go and play games.

“I have to say I’ve arguably probably met the nicest man in football. I really have.

“He’s an absolute gentleman. There aren’t too many men who come into your office regularly and talk about how they appreciate the training and thank them for learning and the work he’s been given.

“He’s a boy who in his time here has never missed a training session. Never through illness, never through anything. If you were going to war you’d take Efe with you, that’s for sure.

“It’s probably born and gifted genetically. He’s an absolute machine physically. He’s a really good guy. Everyone here loves him, loves having him about the place.

“But of course he understands and respects the gametime is limited here. A wonderful man. He’s a good guy and hopefully he can get sorted out in the end.”

And it is expected that this summer the fact Ambrose has worked in the UK for more than five years should facilitate a move.

“The work permit issue shouldn’t arise again in the summer,” said Rodgers. “I think he’ll have his citizenship then. He’ll have been here for five years.

“That was important for him. I don’t want to go into that too deep. But the guy rightly so has been here a number of years.

“People talked about him going abroad but it was never going to happen. Five years allows him to then maybe go abroad but he can then come back and work again. For his kids and his family you have to respect that.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers has also backed Scott Brown’s return to international football – while urging caution about he proceeds now.

Celtic will begin their UEFA Champions League qualifiers in July and return for pre-season training in June – less than a fortnight after Scotland play England at Hampden on June 10th.

"We've had a number of conversations about it and I think Scott is clear in his mind what he wants to do,” said Rodgers. “His loyalty and support is with Gordon and he wants to help him the best he possibly can. We chat regularly.

“He's been in brilliant form the whole season. He looks after his body, he looks after himself. If selected, as I'm sure he will be, they will be better for having him in there.

"Scott knows my view on that [England game] and in terms of the longer term for him. So with that view, I would only leave it to him...that's it.”