Martin O'Neill is convinced that any future Celtic boss would be thrilled with the three new contracts he has secured for the squad this week. The veteran manager highlighted the significance of the extensions, noting that they provide stability and quality for the club regardless of who takes charge next. The first signing to be announced was long‑serving winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday.
The 34‑year‑old will now remain at Celtic until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 season, giving the team a reliable option on the flank and a wealth of experience in the dressing room. A day later, the Parkhead side revealed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh deal that runs through the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year option built into the contract for the club. The 27‑year‑old defender has become a mainstay in the back line, and the long‑term agreement reflects both his performances and Celtic’s desire to lock down a key defensive asset.
The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who has now signed on until 2028, again with an optional extra year at Celtic’s discretion. McCowan’s versatility in midfield and his willingness to work hard have made him a valuable squad member, and the club’s commitment to him underscores a broader strategy of retaining home‑grown talent. 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.
While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the club’s proactive approach to contracts will keep the team in good hands, no matter who steps into the managerial role. When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager assess the squad before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the timing of the contracts was appropriate. He explained, “A new manager will certainly want to keep these players, but they also need to be fit and capable of delivering results.
Liam Scales, for example, is approaching the end of his current deal, so it makes sense to secure his future now rather than risk losing him later.” He continued, emphasizing that the quality of the players speaks for itself. “Scales has shown he can perform at the highest level for Celtic, and my presence—whether I stay or leave—won’t change that. He’s good enough to play for the club now and to improve as time goes on. The board shares that view, and I’m delighted for him and for Celtic.” O'Neill also praised Forrest, stating that the winger’s contributions have been "self‑evident".
“James has been terrific for us. He’s worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes over. It’s a no‑brainer to keep a player of his caliber.” Regarding McCowan, the interim boss noted the midfielder’s desire for more playing time but affirmed his overall performance. “Luke has done really well for us.
He would love to start more games, and he’s been excellent when called upon.” The manager’s comments underline a broader philosophy: securing key players now helps any incoming manager hit the ground running, rather than having to negotiate new deals under pressure. By extending contracts well before the summer, Celtic ensures continuity and avoids the distraction of last‑minute negotiations. In addition to the on‑field implications, the extensions send a message to supporters and rivals alike that Celtic is committed to building a stable, competitive squad for the coming years. The club’s willingness to offer long‑term deals to players in their mid‑to‑late twenties signals confidence in their development trajectory and a belief that they can contribute significantly to future successes.
While O'Neill’s interim tenure may be brief, his proactive stance on contracts reflects a clear strategic direction from the board. The three extensions—Forrest until next season, Scales until 2030 with an option for 2031, and McCowan until 2028 with an extra year possible—provide a solid foundation for any manager who follows. As the Scottish Premiership race intensifies and the Scottish Cup draws nearer, Celtic fans can take comfort in the fact that key members of the squad are secured for the foreseeable future.
Whether the club appoints a new permanent manager this summer or retains O'Neill for a longer spell, the team will have a core group of experienced, contract‑protected players ready to compete for trophies. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the proactive contract extensions are a win‑win for the club, the players, and any future manager. By locking in talent now, Celtic safeguards its ambitions and ensures that the squad remains competitive on both domestic and European fronts.