Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be thrilled with the trio of new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran wing‑back James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of the next campaign. On Friday the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has agreed to a fresh deal that ties him to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year option at Celtic's discretion.
The third extension belongs to midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed on until 2028, again with the club retaining the right to add another year if desired. 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 possible league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. While his own long‑term future remains uncertain beyond the summer, he insists that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players puts any incoming manager in a strong position.
When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill agreed that the point was valid, but he argued that the timing was appropriate. "The incoming manager will certainly want these players," he said.
"First, he’ll want to know they’re fit enough – and they are. Second, he’ll want to know they’re good enough – and they absolutely are." He used Scales as an example, noting that the defender is approaching his prime at 27‑28 years old and that his existing contract was nearing its end.
"You’d want to act now rather than later," O'Neill explained. "We all see that Liam can deliver, and my presence or absence won’t change that fact.
He’s good enough for Celtic now and will only get better with time. The club shares that view, and I’m delighted for both him and the team." O'Neill praised Scales’ performances this season, saying, "He’s proved himself over and over.
I don’t know how he was before I arrived, but in my two spells here he’s been outstanding and fully deserving of the new deal." Turning to Forrest, the manager said the winger essentially speaks for himself. "James has been terrific, a real asset for us. It doesn’t matter who takes over – he’s worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever arrives. It’s a no‑brainer." Regarding McCowan, O'Neill highlighted the midfielder’s desire for more playing time but acknowledged his consistent quality.
"Luke has done very well for us. He’d love to start more games, and he’s been excellent when called upon." Overall, O'Neill’s message is clear: Celtic have secured three vital members of the squad, ensuring continuity and quality regardless of who eventually assumes the permanent managerial role. By locking in a seasoned winger, a rising Irish defender, and a promising midfield talent, the club has demonstrated a forward‑thinking strategy that should give any successor a solid foundation on which to build.
The three extensions also send a signal to the wider football community that Celtic are not in a rebuilding phase but are instead reinforcing a core group capable of competing for honours. With the league title and the Scottish Cup still within reach this season, the stability offered by these contracts could prove decisive in maintaining momentum. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the outlet regularly shares videos, features, and commentary on the Scottish Premiership. While O'Neill’s interim tenure may be brief, his proactive contract work underscores a broader club philosophy: secure the talent that has already demonstrated its worth, give them the security to continue improving, and let any future manager inherit a squad ready to compete at the highest level.
This approach not only benefits the players, who receive deserved recognition and financial security, but also strengthens Celtic’s position in the domestic race and potentially in European competition. In summary, O'Neill believes the new deals are a win‑win for the club, the players, and any prospective manager. The message is simple: Celtic have taken the necessary steps to keep their best assets, ensuring that the team remains competitive and that the next manager will have a roster of proven performers ready to deliver success.