Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The seasoned manager highlighted the importance of stability and continuity as the club moves forward, and he believes the newly extended deals will give any incoming coach a solid foundation.
The first signing was veteran winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday. The 34‑year‑old, a long‑standing figure at Celtic, will now remain at the club until the conclusion of next season. Forrest’s experience, work ethic and ability to influence games from the flank have made him a valuable asset, and O'Neill stressed that his presence will continue to benefit both the squad and the younger players coming through the ranks.
On Friday, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh contract that ties him to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030. The deal also includes an optional extra year that the club can activate if they wish.
Scales, now 27, has become a mainstay in the defensive line, displaying composure, aerial strength and an ability to read the game that belies his age. O'Neill noted that securing Scales for the long term was essential, especially as his previous contract was set to expire imminently. The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed a new agreement that runs until 2028, with Celtic again retaining the option to add an additional year. McCowan’s versatility in midfield, his energy in pressing, and his willingness to contribute both defensively and offensively have made him a key component of the team’s tactical setup.
O'Neill praised his development, saying that the player has shown a strong desire to earn more starts and that his continued growth will be an asset for any manager. O'Neill, now in his second interim spell after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still chasing a domestic double of the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he emphasized that the club’s proactive approach to contract renewals puts Celtic in a secure position regardless of who takes over. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill agreed that the point was valid but maintained that the current extensions were the right move.
He explained, "A new manager will certainly want these players, and the question is whether they are fit and capable of delivering the job. The answer is yes – they are fit, they are good, and they have proven themselves." Regarding Liam Scales, O'Neill highlighted the player’s age and impending contract expiry, stating that it was crucial to act now.
He added, "We all see that Scales can perform at the required level, and my presence or absence won’t change that fact. He is good enough to play for Celtic now and to improve as time goes on.
The club sees that as well, and I’m delighted for both him and Celtic." O'Neill also spoke highly of James Forrest, noting that his contributions speak for themselves. "He has been terrific, a great player who has worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever arrives. It’s a no‑brainer," he said, emphasizing that Forrest’s professionalism and consistency make him an invaluable figure regardless of managerial changes. Luke McCowan received similar praise.
O'Neill remarked that the midfielder has performed admirably and would love more regular starts. "He has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he has been excellent," O'Neill said, underscoring McCowan’s dedication and potential for further growth. In summary, O'Neill believes that the trio’s contract renewals provide a solid platform for any incoming manager.
By locking in experienced, fit, and high‑quality players, Celtic ensures continuity and competitiveness. The extensions also signal the club’s intent to retain talent and build a squad capable of challenging for titles in the coming seasons. O'Neill’s proactive stance, coupled with the players’ proven track records, should give any future boss confidence that the team is ready to compete at the highest level in Scottish football.
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