WORKINGTON Red’s new centre-back shared the pitch with footballing icons Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Dimitar Berbatov in a charity match over the weekend. 

At the grounds of Old Trafford, Efe Ambrose, who joined Workington Reds in August, was among the Celtic Legends squad as they took on Manchester United Legends in aid of the Celtic FC Foundation and Manchester United Foundation on Saturday (September 7). 

The former Nigeria international and cult hero during his time at Celtic from 2012 to 2017, where he made over 100 appearances and scored five goals, was back in familiar territory, harking back to the days when he marked Lionel Messi in Celtic's Champions League win against a prime Barcelona squad. 

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring for Man Utd Legends with a stunning free-kick just before half-time.

In a squad led by former Aston Villa and Norwich City manager Paul Lambert, Celtic clawed back a goal from Gary Hooper just after the hour mark. 

The match ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, setting up a tense penalty shootout.

Celtic Legends secured a 5-4 win on penalties, with Darren O'Dea calmly converting the decisive spot-kick.

Taking to social media, the 35-year-old, who recently joined the Workington side from Bury FC, described the 'electric' feeling of donning the famous green and white hoops again, 'just like the old days'. 

“Simplify it. In a thrilling Celtic Legends vs Manchester United Legends match, I found myself back in the Hoops, giving everything I had in defence, just like the old days.

 

"The game was intense with both sides pushing hard, and after 90 minutes, it ended a draw, setting up with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

"When Celtic Legends secured the win, the feeling was electric.

"Without thinking twice, I ran towards the fans and pulled off my signature backflip, the crowd erupting as I soared through the air.

"My teammates loved it, cheering me on as we celebrated together, the moment feeling just like winning a title all over again," he said.