Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any future Celtic boss would be thrilled with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The first of those agreements involved veteran winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at the club until the conclusion of next season.
Forrest, now 34, remains a key figure on the flank and his renewed deal signals the club’s desire to keep his experience in the squad. The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had also signed a fresh contract. The new terms lock the 27‑year‑old defender in at Celtic until the summer of 2030, with an additional club option to prolong the deal for a further year.
Scales has become a mainstay in the defensive line, and the long‑term commitment reflects both his performances and the belief that he will continue to develop under the club’s guidance. Midfielder Luke McCowan was the third player to receive a new contract, committing his future to the Glasgow side until 2028, again with an optional extra year at the club’s discretion.
McCowan, who has been praised for his work rate and versatility, now enjoys the security of a long‑term deal that should see him feature prominently in Celtic’s upcoming campaigns. O'Neill, who is serving his second spell as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering the team toward a possible league‑and‑Scottish‑Cup double.
Despite the on‑field success, there remains some ambiguity about whether he will retain the helm beyond the summer. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the squad’s new contracts place the club in a stable position, regardless of who eventually takes charge.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the playing staff before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point, stating, "I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely." He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming manager would consider: the desire to retain the players, their fitness, and their quality. "One, would the new manager want these players?
Two, are they fit enough to do the job? Yes. Three, are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely," he affirmed.
Regarding Liam Scales specifically, O'Neill highlighted the urgency of securing his future. "Liam is 27, 28 years of age, his contract is running down at this minute.
I think you'd want to do something about it now," he explained. He added that Scales’ ability is evident and that his own presence, whether as interim manager or not, would not significantly alter the defender’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," O'Neill said. O'Neill praised Scales for his contributions, noting that the defender has proven himself this season and deserves the new contract. He also spoke highly of James Forrest, describing him as a "no‑brainer" for any manager: "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. I'm sure he will impress whoever's coming in at the end of it all." Luke McCowan received similar commendation.
O'Neill said the midfielder has performed admirably and would love more playing time, but even with limited minutes he has shown excellence. "Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could. But he's been excellent," the interim manager noted.
The three contract extensions illustrate Celtic’s broader strategy of retaining a core group of experienced players while also planning for the future. By locking in Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club ensures continuity in key positions—wing, centre‑back and midfield—allowing any incoming permanent manager to build on a solid foundation rather than starting from scratch. Beyond the immediate impact on the squad, these deals send a message to supporters and potential signings that Celtic is committed to stability and ambition.
In a league where managerial turnover can be frequent, having a roster of players with secured futures can help attract new talent who see a clear pathway to success. While O'Neill’s own tenure remains uncertain, his proactive approach to contract negotiations demonstrates his understanding of the club’s long‑term needs.
He emphasized that the new contracts are not merely stop‑gap measures but deliberate steps to keep the team competitive on domestic and European fronts. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that any new Celtic manager will be grateful for the trio of contract extensions he has overseen. The renewed deals for James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan provide the club with a stable core, ensuring that the next permanent boss inherits a squad ready to challenge for titles and continue Celtic’s tradition of success.