The Nigerian central defender/midfielder impressed team-mate Thomas Rogne enough in his starting debut to draw a comparison with Manchester City's Yaya Toure.

That might be a bit premature, based as it was on the new Bhoy's performance against First Division Raith Rovers.

But the 23-year-old is more than ready to try and stamp his credentials in the toughest arena of them all, the Champions League.

And, after getting a taste of it when he was named as substitute in last week's opening Group G game against Benfica, Ambrose has already set his sights on playing against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday and Barcelona later next month.

He said: "It was amazing before the Benfica game because I just came back after getting the work permit and landed in the morning.

"I didn't believe I'd be on the bench, but the coach gave me the opportunity.

"It was the first time I'd been involved in the Champions League. I saw the crowd and the way they cheered the team.

"But it wasn't the noise that I cared about. What I cared about was that I felt like I'd come home.

"I was with people who really admire the game of football and it felt lovely."

Ambrose is no shrinking violet when it comes to declaring his intentions, and he is aiming as high as possible as he wants to follow in the footsteps of countrymen, Kanu and Finidi George.

"One of the biggest objectives for me is to play in the Champions League," he said.

"A couple of Nigerian players have won the Champions League and have brought a good thing for the country.

"I believe I can step into their shoes – that's why I'm here."

However, Ambrose is realistic enough to accept that he must fight for his place in Lennon's starting XI every week, and said: "It's one step at a time for me.

"It's not going to be easy to play because we have good players in the team.

"Any opportunity I get, I'll give it my best because it is about spirit and I'm a team player.

"I'm comfortable to play any position the coach wants to help the team. If it's centre-back or midfield, it just matters that I help. We are like a family."

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