Efe Ambrose has reacted to the latest rumours linking him with a move away from Celtic this summer.

The Nigerian defender put in a solid performance last night bar one lapse in concentration in the first-half against Astana, as the Hoops claimed a vital away goal in Kazakhstan.

Leigh Griffiths was on hand to fire home Patrick Roberts’ pass on 78 minutes, after the English winger worked tenaciously to force the Astana defence into a mistake deep inside their own half.

Commenting on the rumours linking him with a move to Olympiakos, as per Own Goal Nigeria, the 27-year-old said:

I know those who are behind the rumours, but I won’t mention them at least for now, I am not aware of any talks regarding a move away from Celtic, it’s the same people behind the Bayern Leverkusen interest are behind this Olympiakos story.

I have said it before that am ready to fight for my spot in the team and nothing has changed. It will also impress you to know that just as am reading about Olympiakos interest in me. In January I also read same but am fully settled and happy at Celtic.

During and following the game, Ambrose received unwarranted levels of criticism from fans, despite him winning almost all of his aerial battles during the game.

The anger was seemingly based upon his errors in previous games, whilst ignoring good performances he has put in during his last four years in a Celtic jersey – most notably the famous win over Barcelona.

Whilst there is no doubting Ambrose has made mistakes and lost Celtic games, it’s become too easy to criticise the defender who has now played under three different Celtic managers.

Ambrose has made 169 appearances for Celtic, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists during his time at the club as he enters the final year of his contract.