Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be thrilled with the three fresh contract extensions he has secured this week. The seasoned winger James Forrest put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of next season, ensuring the 34‑year‑old remains a fixture on the wing for at least another campaign. The club confirmed on Friday that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has also agreed to a new deal that locks him in until the summer of 2030, with Celtic retaining the option to add an additional year if they wish.
Scales, now 27, has become a cornerstone of the defence and the long‑term commitment reflects the management’s belief in his continued development. Midfielder Luke McCowan was the third player to sign a fresh contract, committing his future to Celtic until 2028, again with an optional extra year built into the agreement.
McCowan’s versatility and work ethic have made him a valuable squad member, and the club’s decision to tie him down for several more seasons underscores their desire to maintain stability in the midfield. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic toward a potential league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. Despite the on‑field success, his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, he insists that the proactive approach of securing key players puts the club in a safe position, regardless of who eventually takes the permanent helm. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before handing out new contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely." He went on to explain his reasoning, noting that any incoming manager would likely want to retain the core group of players, assess their fitness, and judge their quality. "One, they would definitely want these players. Two, are they fit enough to do the job? Yes.
Three, are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely," he asserted.
Regarding Liam Scales, O'Neill emphasized the urgency of securing his services before his current deal expires. "His contract is running down at this minute. I think you'd want to do something about it now," O'Neill said, adding that the defender has consistently proven his worth.
"We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don't think my presence here or there will make a big difference. He's good enough to play for the club and improve 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 the club.
He certainly proved himself this season." O'Neill also praised James Forrest, stating that the veteran's contributions speak for themselves. "He's been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn't matter who the manager is; he's worked under quite a number and I'm sure he'll impress whoever comes in. That's a no‑brainer," he remarked, highlighting Forrest's adaptability and professionalism.
Luke McCowan received similar commendation. O'Neill noted that while McCowan would love more starts, his performances have been excellent and his attitude exemplary.
"Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," O'Neill said, indicating that the midfielder's growth will continue under any future leadership. Overall, O'Neill’s message is clear: by locking down these three players on long‑term deals, Celtic has built a solid foundation that will serve any incoming manager well.
The contracts not only reward the individuals for their recent performances but also signal the club’s commitment to continuity and ambition. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing Forrest, Scales and McCowan continue to contribute to Celtic’s pursuit of domestic glory, while the board works behind the scenes to identify a permanent manager who can build on the momentum O'Neill has helped generate. The broader context of the Scottish Premiership remains dynamic, with transfer activity and league standings shifting weekly. Celtic’s proactive contract strategy stands out as a model for other clubs seeking to retain talent amid managerial uncertainty.
By acting now, the Parkhead side ensures that key assets remain under contract, reducing the risk of losing them to rivals and providing a stable core around which a new manager can shape his tactics and philosophy. In summary, O'Neill believes that securing Forrest, Scales and McCowan on extended terms is a win‑win for both the players and the club. It offers the players the security they deserve after strong seasons, and it gives Celtic a reliable pool of talent to build upon, no matter who takes charge at the end of the interim period. This forward‑thinking approach, combined with the team's current push for silverware, positions Celtic as a club ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season with confidence and continuity.