Martin O'Neill is confident that any new manager who takes charge of Celtic will be delighted with the three fresh contracts secured this week. The veteran Scottish club has locked down key members of its squad, ensuring continuity and stability regardless of who sits on the bench next season. On Thursday, long‑serving winger James Forrest put pen to paper on a fresh deal, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 campaign.
The 34‑year‑old, who has been a fixture on the right flank for more than a decade, will now continue to provide experience and width for the team as it pushes for domestic silverware. The following day, the club announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a new contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year extension option built into the agreement for Celtic. Scales, now 27, has become a mainstay in the heart of the defence, and the lengthy term reflects the board’s belief in his long‑term value to the side.
Midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the Parkhead outfit, signing a contract that keeps him at Celtic until 2028, again with an optional extra year for the club to activate. McCowan’s versatility and work‑rate have made him a valuable squad player, and the new terms reward his contributions while giving the management flexibility for future planning. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits 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 stressed that the club’s proactive approach to securing its core group of players puts Celtic in a strong position, irrespective of who ultimately assumes the permanent role. 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 but argued that the timing was appropriate. “I think that’s a very good point you make.
Absolutely,” he replied, before outlining his rationale. He explained that any incoming manager would inevitably want to retain the players they inherit, and that the club needed to act now to avoid losing talent on free transfers. “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 specifically, O'Neill highlighted the defender’s age and contract situation, noting that the club could not afford to wait any longer. “His contract is running down at this minute. I think you’d want to do something about it now,” O'Neill said, adding that Scales has proven his capability and that his presence will not be diminished by any managerial change.
He praised Scales for his consistency and potential for further improvement, emphasizing that the club shares the same view. O'Neill also spoke highly of James Forrest, describing his contributions as self‑evident.
“He’s been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he’s worked under quite a number of them and will impress whoever comes in,” O'Neill remarked, calling the decision to extend Forrest’s contract a "no‑brainer." He believes that any future boss will enjoy having Forrest’s experience and professionalism in the dressing room.
Luke McCowan received similar commendation. O'Neill noted that while McCowan would welcome more regular starts, his performances have been excellent and he has shown a willingness to step up when called upon.
The midfielder’s new deal reflects both his current impact and the club’s belief that he can develop further under the right guidance. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: Celtic has taken decisive action to safeguard its talent pool, and the new contracts send a strong signal to any prospective manager that the squad is already equipped with quality, fitness, and a winning mentality. By locking in Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club not only protects its assets from poaching but also provides a solid foundation for the next manager to build upon, whether that manager aims to continue the pursuit of domestic doubles or to push the team further in European competition. The proactive contract strategy also reflects a broader philosophy within Celtic’s hierarchy: stability off the pitch translates to confidence on it.
With the season’s objectives still within reach and a core group of seasoned players now tied down, the club can focus on performance rather than contract negotiations. As the summer approaches and the search for a permanent manager intensifies, O'Neill’s reassurance that "proactive Celtic are in safe hands" underscores the belief that the club’s future remains bright, anchored by the very players whose contracts were recently renewed.