Martin O'Neill is confident that any new manager who takes over at Celtic will be delighted with the trio of contract renewals he has secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest agreed to a fresh deal on Thursday, extending his stay at the club until the conclusion of next season. On Friday, the Parkhead side confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has signed a new agreement that will keep him at Celtic until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year. Additionally, midfielder Luke McCowan has committed his future to the Bhoys with a contract that runs through 2028, again with an optional extra year at Celtic's discretion.
O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim boss after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic in a bid for a league and Scottish Cup double. While his own long‑term future remains uncertain beyond the summer, he insists that the club is in capable hands thanks to the proactive steps taken with these new deals. When asked whether it might be wiser to let a prospective manager evaluate the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point as valid.
"I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely," he replied.
He then outlined three simple criteria that any incoming manager would consider: first, the desire to retain the players; second, the players' fitness levels; and third, their overall quality. "One, the new manager would definitely want these players. Two, are they fit enough to do the job? Yes.
Three, are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely," he asserted.
He used Scales as a case in point, noting the defender is now 27 or 28 and his contract was nearing its end. "You would want to sort that out now," O'Neill said, adding that Scales has proven his worth and that his presence – whether O'Neill stays or departs – will not dramatically alter the team's trajectory.
"We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don't think my presence either here or there is going to make a big difference. That's how I see it," he explained. O'Neill praised Scales for his ability to improve with time and expressed genuine delight for both the player and the club.
"He's good enough to play for the football club. Good enough to improve as well as time goes on. That's probably how I'd see it and, more importantly, I think that's how the club sees it.
I'm delighted for Liam and the club," he said. Turning to Forrest, O'Neill noted that the winger's contributions speak for themselves.
"James, in that sense, speaks for himself really, with what he has done. He's been terrific here, he's been a really great player. It doesn't matter who's going to be the manager, he's worked under quite a number. And I'm sure he will impress whoever's coming in at the end of it all – that's a no‑brainer," O'Neill remarked.
He believes any future manager will enjoy working with a player of Forrest's caliber and consistency. Regarding McCowan, O'Neill highlighted the midfielder's progress and ambition. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," O'Neill said, emphasizing that McCowan's development aligns with Celtic's long‑term plans. Overall, O'Neill's message was clear: the club has taken decisive action to secure key members of the squad, ensuring stability regardless of who ultimately assumes the permanent managerial role. By locking in experienced players like Forrest, a promising defender in Scales, and a rising midfielder in McCowan, Celtic has built a foundation that should serve any incoming boss well.
The broader context of these signings reflects Celtic's strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the Scottish Premiership while also preparing for future challenges. Extending contracts of players who have already demonstrated quality and potential reduces the risk of losing talent to rival clubs and provides continuity on the pitch.
It also sends a signal to supporters and stakeholders that the club is committed to sustained success, even amid managerial turnover. Fans can follow the latest developments, including match highlights, transfer news, and analysis, via Sky Sports' WhatsApp service and other digital platforms.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Celtic's performance in the league and the Scottish Cup, as well as on the eventual appointment of a permanent manager who will inherit a squad that O'Neill believes is already well‑equipped to compete at the highest level.