Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any future Celtic boss would be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured for the squad this week. The first of those agreements came on Thursday when seasoned winger James Forrest, now 34, committed his services to the club until the conclusion of the next season. Forrest’s longevity and experience on the flank have made him a fixture at Parkhead, and the new deal ensures he will continue to provide that blend of pace and professionalism for another campaign.
The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had signed a fresh contract that ties him to the club until the summer of 2030, with an additional clause giving the club the option to extend the deal for a further year. Scales, who is approaching his late twenties, has become a reliable component of the defensive line, and the long‑term commitment signals the club’s confidence in his continued development and importance to the back‑four.
Rounding out the trio, midfielder Luke McCowan agreed to a new contract that runs through 2028, again with Celtic retaining the right to add an extra year if desired. McCowan’s versatility in midfield, his work‑rate and his ability to link defence and attack have made him a valuable asset, and the extended deal reflects the belief that he will remain a key figure for several seasons to come. O’Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic in a push for a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
While his future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that, contract‑wise, the club is in “safe hands” regardless of who eventually takes over. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O’Neill acknowledged the point, saying, “That’s a very good point you raise.
Absolutely.” He then outlined his reasoning: a new manager will inevitably want to keep the players he inherits, and the club must ensure those players are both fit and capable of delivering the required performances. “Three – are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely,” he affirmed.
Regarding Scales specifically, O’Neill highlighted the timing of the deal. “Liam is 27‑28 now, his contract is about to run out. You’d want to address that now rather than later.” He added that Scales has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and that his presence on the pitch is not dependent on who is in the dugout. “We all see that Liam can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there makes a big difference.
He is good enough for the club and will only improve with time.” O’Neill also praised Forrest, noting that the veteran’s contributions speak for themselves. “James, in that sense, says it all with what he has done. He’s been terrific, a great player, and it doesn’t matter who ends up managing – he has worked under several coaches and will continue to impress whoever arrives.” He described the decision to retain Forrest as a “no‑brainer,” emphasizing the winger’s consistent performances and leadership. Similarly, O’Neill lauded McCowan’s progress.
“Luke has done really well for us. He would love more starts, but he’s already been excellent,” he said, underscoring the midfielder’s desire for increased game time and his overall contribution to the team’s dynamics. Overall, O’Neill’s message was clear: the trio of contract extensions secures a core of experienced, reliable players who will form the backbone of Celtic’s squad, no matter who takes the managerial helm.
By locking in Forrest, Scales and McCowan for the coming years, the club not only rewards their past performances but also invests in their future potential, ensuring continuity and stability as Celtic pursues further success on the domestic front. The announcements were accompanied by a reminder to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest sports news, videos, features and analysis.
Fans were also encouraged to stay updated with Scottish Premiership news, live tables, streaming options and free highlights, as well as to participate in promotional offers such as the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000.