Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any new boss who takes charge at Celtic would be thrilled with the three fresh contracts he has secured for the squad this week. The first of those deals was sealed on Thursday when seasoned winger James Forrest, now 34, agreed to remain at the club until the conclusion of the upcoming season.
Forrest’s longevity and experience have made him a fixture at Parkhead, and the new agreement ensures his services will continue to benefit the side for at least another twelve months. The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had signed a fresh deal that binds him to the club until the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year option that the club can trigger if they wish. Scales, who is approaching his late twenties, has become a mainstay in the defensive line and the long‑term contract reflects the management’s belief in his continued development and importance to the team’s future.
Later in the week, midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the Bhoys, penning a contract that runs through 2028, again with a club‑held option to extend for an extra year. McCowan’s versatility in midfield and his willingness to step up when called upon have earned him a reputation as a reliable squad player who can also deliver when given a starting role. O'Neill, now serving his second interim spell after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic on a campaign that aims for a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players will leave Celtic in a strong position regardless of who ultimately takes the helm. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, stating, “That’s a very good observation.
Absolutely.” He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming manager would consider: the desire to keep the players, their fitness levels, and their overall quality. "The new manager will certainly want these individuals, they are fit enough to perform, and they are good enough to meet the job’s demands," he explained. He used Scales as a case in point, noting the defender’s age – roughly 27 or 28 – and the fact that his existing contract was nearing its end. "You would want to act now rather than wait," O'Neill said, emphasizing that Scales has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level for Celtic.
"I don’t think my presence, whether here or elsewhere, will change that fact. He is good enough to play for the club and to keep improving as time goes on. That’s how I see it, and more importantly, that’s how the club sees it. I’m delighted for Liam and for Celtic." Regarding Forrest, O'Neill remarked that the veteran’s record essentially speaks for itself.
"He has been terrific here, a truly great player. It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he has performed under several and will continue to impress whoever arrives at the end of the season. It’s a no‑brainer," he added, underscoring Forrest’s consistent contributions over many seasons. On McCowan, the interim manager praised the midfielder’s work ethic and ambition.
"Luke has done really well for us. He would love more starts, and he’s delivered excellently when given the chance," O'Neill said, highlighting the player’s eagerness to earn a regular spot in the starting eleven.
Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the trio of contract extensions sends a strong signal to any prospective manager that Celtic have secured a core group of experienced, fit, and high‑quality players who are ready to compete for titles. By locking down Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club has taken a proactive step to ensure stability and continuity, allowing a future manager to focus on building a winning side rather than scrambling to retain key personnel. The statements also reflect O'Neill’s broader philosophy of forward planning. He believes that securing talent before a managerial change prevents uncertainty and maintains momentum within the squad.
This approach aligns with Celtic’s ambition to dominate Scottish football and to remain competitive in European competitions. In summary, whether the next permanent manager is appointed from within the club or arrives from elsewhere, they will inherit a roster that includes a veteran winger with a wealth of experience, a young yet proven Irish defender, and a versatile midfielder eager for more responsibility. All three have now signed contracts that bind them to Celtic for the foreseeable future, providing a solid foundation for the club’s upcoming campaigns.