Martin O'Neill is convinced that any new manager who takes charge of Celtic will be delighted with the three fresh contracts he has secured this week. The veteran wing‑back James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at the Glasgow club until the conclusion of next season.
A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has agreed to a new deal that locks him in until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year. The third signature comes from midfielder Luke McCowan, who has committed his future to the Bhoys through 2028, again with a one‑year extension clause at the club's discretion. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim boss after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic toward a possible league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. While his own long‑term future remains uncertain beyond the summer, he insists that the recent contract renewals place the squad in a secure position for any successor.
"Proactive Celtic are in safe hands with these new deals," he said, emphasizing that the players have earned their extensions through performance and professionalism. 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, replying, "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely." He then outlined a three‑step rationale that any incoming manager would likely follow. First, the new boss would recognise that these players are exactly the type of talent he would want. Second, they would evaluate whether the athletes are physically capable of meeting the demands of top‑flight football – a question O'Neill answered with a confident "Yes." Third, the manager would judge whether the players possess the quality required to succeed – to which O'Neill responded, "Absolutely." Regarding Liam Scales, O'Neill highlighted the defender's age – approaching 28 – and the fact that his previous contract was nearing its end.
"You would want to act now," he argued, noting that Scales has already demonstrated the ability to perform at the highest level for Celtic. "We all see that Liam can do it, so my presence here or there won't make a huge difference.
He's good enough to play for the club and to keep improving 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 praised Scales' contributions this season, stating, "He certainly proved himself this season.
I don't know what he was like before I arrived, but in my two spells here he's been absolutely outstanding. He's deserved the contract in front of him." The former player James Forrest received similar commendation. "James, in that sense, speaks for himself with what he has done.
He's been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn't matter who's the manager – he's worked under quite a number of them and will impress whoever comes in. That's a no‑brainer." Luke McCowan was also singled out for his progress. O'Neill noted that the midfielder would love more regular starts, but acknowledged that his contributions have been "excellent" and vital to the team's recent successes.
"He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," O'Neill said, underscoring the player's desire to grow and his readiness to meet future challenges. Overall, O'Neill's message is clear: the trio of extensions sends a strong signal that Celtic's core remains intact and competitive, regardless of who ultimately takes the helm. By locking in a seasoned winger, a reliable defender, and a promising midfielder, the club ensures continuity and depth as it chases domestic honours and prepares for the inevitable transition to a permanent manager. The proactive approach also protects the club from losing key assets on free transfers, safeguarding both sporting and financial interests.
Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, including match highlights, transfer news, and analysis, by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The platform offers real‑time updates, video content, and in‑depth features covering the Scottish Premiership, allowing supporters to keep a close eye on Celtic's journey toward a potential double and the ongoing contract saga.
In summary, O'Neill believes that any incoming Celtic manager will find a squad bolstered by experienced, fit, and high‑quality players, thanks to the recent contract renewals. The club's strategic moves aim to provide stability, maintain competitive standards, and give the new boss a solid foundation on which to build future success.