Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest, now 34, agreed to a fresh deal on Thursday that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of next season. On Friday, the Parkhead side announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has signed a fresh agreement that binds him to Celtic until the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year extension option at the club's discretion.
Midfielder Luke McCowan also put pen to paper on a contract that runs through 2028, again with Celtic retaining the right to add another year if they wish. 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. While his own long‑term future remains uncertain beyond the summer, he insists that the proactive steps taken with these new deals place the squad in a secure position for any incoming manager.
When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely." He then outlined three simple criteria he believes any new boss would consider: the desire to retain the players, the players' fitness, and their overall quality. "First, the new manager would certainly want to keep these men.
Second, are they fit enough to perform? Yes.
Third, are they good enough? Absolutely," he explained. He used Scales as an example, noting that the 27‑year‑old defender's existing contract was nearing its end and that it made sense to act now.
"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 to 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," O'Neill said.
O'Neill praised Scales' performance this season, adding, "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." He turned his attention to James Forrest, stating that the winger essentially speaks for himself. "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 I'm sure he'll impress whoever comes in at the end of it all – that's a no‑brainer," O'Neill remarked. Regarding Luke McCowan, O'Neill said the midfielder has performed admirably and would love more playing time.
"Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," he added.
These contract extensions are more than just paperwork; they signal Celtic's intent to maintain a core group of experienced, high‑quality players while giving any new manager a stable foundation to build upon. By securing Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club ensures continuity in key areas of the pitch – wing play, defensive solidity and midfield dynamism – which are essential for competing on both domestic and European fronts. O'Neill's remarks also reflect a broader strategic approach within the Celtic hierarchy. The club appears to be prioritising long‑term stability over short‑term uncertainty, opting to lock in players who have demonstrated both commitment and capability.
This approach can help mitigate the risk of a managerial change disrupting squad cohesion, as the incoming coach will inherit a group already aligned with the club's standards and expectations. Furthermore, the timing of these deals is significant. With the Scottish Premiership season well underway and Celtic eyeing a possible double, securing the contracts now prevents any distraction that could arise from contract negotiations later in the campaign. It also sends a clear message to rivals that Celtic is not in a rebuilding phase but is instead consolidating its talent pool to sustain success.
Fans have responded positively to the news, appreciating the club's effort to reward players who have contributed consistently. Social media reactions highlight admiration for the club's foresight and for O'Neill's leadership during a transitional period.
Many supporters see the extensions as a sign that Celtic is looking beyond the immediate future, planning for sustained competitiveness. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that any new Celtic manager will be grateful for the three contract extensions he has overseen. By securing veteran winger James Forrest, defender Liam Scales and midfielder Luke McCowan until at least 2028‑2030, Celtic has reinforced its squad depth and ensured a degree of continuity that will aid any incoming coach. O'Neill's confidence that these players are fit, capable and desirable to future managers underscores his belief that the club's proactive stance will keep Celtic in a strong position, regardless of who ultimately takes the helm.