Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any future Celtic boss would be thrilled with the three new contract extensions that have been secured under his watch this week. The first of these deals involved seasoned winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday, committing the 34‑year‑old to remain at the club until the conclusion of the next campaign. Forrest’s experience and work ethic have made him a valuable asset, and the new agreement ensures that his presence will continue to benefit the squad for at least another season.
The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh contract that will keep him at Parkhead until the summer of 2030. In addition, the club has retained an option to extend the deal for a further twelve months, giving the management team flexibility should Scales continue to perform at a high level.
Scales, now approaching his late twenties, has become a mainstay in the defensive line, and his long‑term commitment is viewed as a cornerstone for the team's future stability. Completing the trio of extensions, midfielder Luke McCowan signed a new deal that runs through to 2028, again with an optional extra year at Celtic’s discretion. McCowan’s versatility in the middle of the park and his willingness to contribute both defensively and offensively have made him a reliable figure for the side, and the club’s decision to lock him down for several more seasons reflects their confidence in his continued development. O'Neill, who is currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still pursuing a domestic double that includes the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
While there remains some uncertainty about whether he will retain the permanent role beyond the summer, he expressed confidence that the club’s future is secure regardless of who ultimately takes the helm. He emphasized that the proactive approach of securing key players now demonstrates Celtic’s commitment to maintaining a competitive squad.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the playing staff before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the merit of that suggestion. "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely," he replied, before outlining his perspective on the matter. He argued that any incoming manager would likely want to retain the core group of players already under contract, provided they are fit and capable of delivering results. "The new manager coming in would definitely want these players," O'Neill said, adding that the fitness levels of the squad are satisfactory and that the quality of the individuals is more than adequate for the challenges ahead.
He used Scales as a case in point, noting that the defender is 27 or 28 years old and that his current contract is nearing its end. "You would want to sort that out now," O'Neill remarked, stressing the importance of addressing contractual matters before they become urgent. He expressed confidence that Scales possesses the talent and determination to succeed at Celtic, stating, "We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don't think my presence here or there will make a big difference.
That's how I see it." O'Neill further praised Scales, saying he is more than capable of representing the club and continuing to improve as he gains more experience. "He's good enough to play for the football club, good enough to improve as time goes on," the interim manager added, echoing the club’s belief in the defender’s potential. He concluded his remarks on Scales with genuine delight, noting, "I'm delighted for Liam and the club.
He certainly proved himself this season. I don’t know what he was like before I came in, but in my two spells here he’s been absolutely outstanding. He’s deserved the contract in front of him." Turning to James Forrest, O'Neill highlighted that the veteran’s contributions speak for themselves.
"James, in that sense, speaks for himself really, with what he has done. He’s been terrific here, a really great player," O'Neill said, acknowledging that Forrest has performed under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes charge in the future. He described the signing as a "no‑brainer" and expressed confidence that any new manager would enjoy working with a player of Forrest’s caliber.
Regarding Luke McCowan, O'Neill noted the midfielder’s desire for more game time, stating, "He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent." He praised McCowan’s professionalism and his contributions to the team’s midfield dynamics, indicating that the player’s development trajectory aligns well with Celtic’s long‑term plans. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the club has taken decisive steps to secure its key assets, ensuring continuity and stability regardless of managerial changes. By locking in experienced players like Forrest, promising talents such as Scales, and versatile midfielders like McCowan, Celtic has demonstrated a forward‑looking strategy that balances immediate competitiveness with future growth.
Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where a steady stream of sports news, videos, and features is available. As the season progresses, Celtic supporters can look forward to a squad that is both well‑prepared and motivated, with the backing of a management team that values proactive planning and the long‑term health of the club. In summary, while the question of who will ultimately take charge after the interim period remains open, Martin O'Neill is confident that the foundation he has helped to build—through strategic contract renewals and a focus on player development—will serve Celtic well under any future leadership.
The trio of extensions for Forrest, Scales, and McCowan not only secures talent for the coming years but also sends a clear signal that the club is committed to maintaining a high‑performing roster capable of competing for domestic honors and beyond.