Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be pleased with the three new contracts he has secured for the squad this week. The veteran winger James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, agreeing to remain at Celtic until the conclusion of next season. A day later, the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has committed his future to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year option available to the club.
Midfielder Luke McCowan also extended his stay, signing a deal that runs through 2028, again with a further year at Celtic’s discretion. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering the team toward a possible league and Scottish Cup double. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own tenure 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 acknowledged the merit of that suggestion.
"That's a very good point you raise," he replied. "Absolutely. The incoming manager would certainly want to keep these players, would want to know if they are fit enough to deliver, and would want to confirm they have the quality to succeed." He used Scales as a prime example: "Liam is 27‑28 now, his deal is about to expire, and you’d want to sort that out now.
We all see that he can perform at the required level, so my presence or absence won’t change that fact. He’s good enough for Celtic and will only improve as time goes on.
I’m delighted for him and the club." O'Neill praised Forrest in similar terms, noting that the winger’s contributions speak for themselves. "James has been terrific, a great player who has worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes charge. It’s a no‑brainer for any boss to want him in the squad." Regarding McCowan, the interim boss said, "Luke has done really well for us. He’d love more minutes, but he’s already been excellent for the team." The three extensions signal stability at a time when Celtic is navigating a transitional period.
By locking down experienced players across the pitch – a seasoned winger, a reliable defender and a promising midfielder – the club ensures that the core of the squad remains intact while a permanent manager is appointed. This continuity should aid any new coach in implementing their tactics without having to rebuild the team from scratch. O'Neill’s comments also reflect a broader philosophy within Celtic’s hierarchy: the belief that proactive contract management is essential to retain talent and maintain competitiveness in the Scottish Premiership. With the league becoming increasingly competitive, securing key assets before they become free agents is a strategic priority.
In addition to the contract news, Celtic continues to engage fans through various platforms, including Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service for the latest sports updates, videos, analysis and more. The club also promotes its digital offerings, such as streaming options for the Scottish Premiership and free highlights, aiming to keep supporters connected regardless of the on‑field developments.
While O'Neill’s future remains undecided, his focus on the players’ welfare and the club’s long‑term planning underscores a commitment to Celtic’s success beyond his interim spell. He believes that the new manager will inherit a squad that is both fit and capable, with contracts that safeguard the club’s interests for years to come.
Overall, the trio of extensions – Forrest, Scales and McCowan – represents a clear message from Celtic’s board: the club is intent on preserving its core talent and providing a solid foundation for any incoming manager to build upon, ensuring that the pursuit of domestic silverware continues unabated.