Martin O'Neill is confident that whoever takes over the Celtic helm will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The seasoned manager highlighted the recent signings, noting that each player now has a secure future at the club and will provide a solid foundation for any successor. On Thursday, veteran winger James Forrest agreed to a fresh deal that keeps the 34‑year‑old on the Parkhead roster until the conclusion of next season.
Forrest, a long‑standing figure in the Celtic dressing room, has been praised for his professionalism, work ethic and ability to influence games from wide areas. O'Neill stressed that retaining a player of Forrest’s experience is invaluable for a team aiming to compete on multiple fronts. The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has signed a new contract extending his stay until the summer of 2030, with the club holding an option to add an additional year.
Scales, now 27, has emerged as a reliable defensive presence, combining composure on the ball with an aggressive tackling style. O'Neill highlighted that securing Scales long‑term prevents the risk of losing a key pillar of the back line as the club looks to build on its recent domestic successes. Midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the Bhoys, penning a deal that runs through 2028, again with an optional extra year for the club. McCowan’s versatility in midfield, his ability to link defence and attack, and his growing confidence have made him a valuable asset.
O'Neill pointed out that McCowan’s contract reflects the club’s belief in his development trajectory and the role he will play in upcoming campaigns. O'Neill, currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still chasing a league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he remains optimistic that the squad’s continuity will smooth the transition for any incoming boss.
"Proactive Celtic are in safe hands with these new deals," he said, emphasizing that the club has taken a forward‑looking approach by locking in key players before a new manager arrives. When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the timing was appropriate. "The new manager will definitely want these players, and they are fit enough to do the job.
Three – are they good enough? Absolutely," he replied. He used Scales as an example, noting that the defender’s contract was nearing its end and that the club needed to act promptly to avoid losing him on a free transfer. O'Neill also praised Scales for his performances, stating, "We all see that Liam can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there will make a big difference.
He is good enough to play for the club and will continue to improve as time goes on. I'm delighted for Liam and the club." The manager added that Scales had proven himself this season and deserved the new contract. Turning to Forrest, O'Neill said the winger essentially speaks for himself. "He’s been terrific here, a really great player.
It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he has worked under quite a number of coaches and will impress whoever comes in. It’s a no‑brainer," O'Neill explained, underscoring Forrest’s consistency and professionalism across different managerial regimes. Regarding McCowan, O'Neill noted, "Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent." The midfielder’s desire for more playing time reflects his ambition, and O'Neill believes the new contract will give him the platform to continue growing within the squad.
Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the club has taken decisive steps to retain three players who embody the qualities Celtic values – experience, reliability and potential for further development. By securing these contracts now, Celtic ensures that any incoming manager inherits a core group of proven performers, reducing the risk of a disruptive overhaul during a crucial period.
The announcements were accompanied by a reminder to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest sports news, videos, features and analysis. While the club continues to chase silverware, the focus on contract stability signals a broader strategy aimed at long‑term success, regardless of who ultimately takes charge at Celtic Park. In summary, O'Neill’s proactive approach to contract renewals has provided Celtic with a solid foundation, giving any future manager a ready‑made group of players who are fit, capable and eager to contribute.
This continuity should help the club maintain its competitive edge in the Scottish Premiership and beyond, while also offering fans reassurance that the team’s core remains intact as the season progresses.