Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss would be delighted with the three new contract extensions secured under his watch this week. The veteran manager highlighted how each agreement not only secures key talent but also sends a clear signal of stability and ambition for the club. The first of the deals was sealed on Thursday when experienced winger James Forrest agreed to a fresh contract, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of the next season.
Forrest, now 34, has been a mainstay on the right flank for many years, providing pace, crossing ability and a professional attitude that younger teammates often emulate. O'Neill praised his consistency and noted that retaining a player of Forrest's calibre is vital for maintaining the squad's competitive edge. The following day, the club announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had signed a new deal that will keep him at Celtic until the summer of 2030.
In addition, the club retained an option to prolong the agreement for an extra year if both parties wish. Scales, who is approaching his late twenties, has emerged as a reliable figure in the heart of defence, combining composure on the ball with strong aerial presence. O'Neill emphasized that securing Scales long‑term prevents the risk of losing a player who has become integral to the team's defensive structure.
Midfielder Luke McCowan was the third player to commit his future to the Glasgow side, agreeing to a contract that runs through 2028, again with a one‑year extension clause at Celtic's discretion. McCowan, a versatile midfielder capable of operating both centrally and on the wing, has shown steady improvement and a willingness to take on greater responsibility. O'Neill highlighted that McCowan's development aligns perfectly with the club's philosophy of nurturing home‑grown talent and giving them the platform to flourish. O'Neill, who is currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still in pursuit of a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the club is in "safe hands" with the newly signed contracts, regardless of who ultimately takes charge. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely." He went on to outline three key considerations for any incoming boss: first, the desire to retain these players; second, their fitness levels; and third, their overall quality. "One, the new manager would definitely want these players. Two, are they fit enough to do the job? Yes.
Three, are they good enough? Absolutely," he affirmed. Regarding Liam Scales specifically, O'Neill noted the importance of acting before a contract runs down. "Liam is 27 or 28 now, his contract is expiring soon.
You'd want to sort that out now," he said, adding that Scales has proven his ability to perform at the required standard. "We all see that Liam can do it, so my presence here or there won't make a big difference. He's good enough to play for the club and will only get better with time," O'Neill explained, reflecting the confidence the board has in his potential.
O'Neill also spoke highly of James Forrest, stating that his contributions speak for themselves. "He's been terrific here, a great player. It doesn't matter who the manager is; he's worked under a number of them and will continue to impress whoever comes in.
It's a no‑brainer," he said, underscoring Forrest's consistent performance and leadership qualities. Similarly, the manager praised Luke McCowan, acknowledging his desire for more playing time and his overall excellence. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," O'Neill remarked, highlighting the midfielder's growth and readiness for greater responsibility. Overall, O'Neill believes that securing these three players not only strengthens the squad for the current campaign but also lays a solid foundation for the future. By locking in experienced, adaptable, and proven talent, Celtic ensures that any incoming manager will inherit a team capable of competing for titles and maintaining the club's high standards.
The club's communication channels, including Sky Sports' WhatsApp service, continue to provide fans with the latest updates, videos, analysis, and more. As the season progresses, supporters can look forward to seeing how these contract extensions translate into on‑field success, while the management team works diligently to keep the squad competitive and cohesive. In summary, Martin O'Neill's message is clear: the trio of extensions for James Forrest, Liam Scales, and Luke McCowan represents a strategic move that benefits both the players and the club, ensuring that Celtic remains a strong contender in Scottish football regardless of who ultimately takes the helm.