Martin O'Neill is convinced that whichever manager eventually takes charge at Celtic will be thrilled with the three fresh contract extensions that have been secured this week. The first of those deals involved veteran winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday, committing the 34‑year‑old to remain at the club until the conclusion of the next season. Forrest’s experience and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the squad, and the new agreement ensures his services will continue to be available as Celtic push for further success.
On Friday, the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had also agreed to a new deal. Scales, who is currently 27, will now stay at Celtic until the summer of 2030, with an additional clause giving the club the option to extend the contract for a further year. The long‑term commitment reflects both the player’s growth over recent seasons and the management’s belief that he will remain a key figure in the defensive line for years to come. The third extension was handed to midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed a contract that runs until 2028, again with a one‑year extension option for the club.
McCowan’s versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple roles have made him a valuable asset, and the new terms provide stability for both the player and the team as they aim to build a cohesive core. O'Neill, now in his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic on a quest for a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the club is in "safe hands" regardless of who ultimately assumes the permanent role. He emphasized that securing these contracts was a proactive measure to protect the squad’s continuity and to give any incoming manager a solid foundation of proven talent. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the playing staff before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely." He then outlined his reasoning: "The new manager coming in would certainly want to retain these players; they are fit enough to do the job, and they are good enough to do the job." He used Scales as an example, noting that the defender’s contract was nearing its end and that it made sense to act now rather than later.
"We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don't think my presence here or there will make a big difference. He's good enough to play for the club and to improve as time goes on," O'Neill said, adding that the club shares this view. "I'm delighted for Liam and the club.
He certainly proved himself this season. In my two spells here he's been absolutely outstanding, and he deserves the contract in front of him." Regarding Forrest, O'Neill remarked that the winger essentially speaks for himself. "He's been terrific here, a really great player.
It doesn't matter who's the manager; he's worked under a number of them and will impress whoever comes in. It's a no‑brainer," he said, highlighting the winger’s consistency and professionalism over many years. As for McCowan, the interim boss praised the midfielder’s progress and ambition. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he's been excellent," O'Neill explained, underscoring the young player’s desire for more responsibility and his readiness to step up when called upon. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the trio of contract extensions not only rewards individual performance but also safeguards Celtic’s strategic planning. By locking in key contributors across the pitch—defence, midfield and attack—the club ensures that any future manager inherits a balanced and experienced squad capable of competing on all fronts. Beyond the immediate contract news, the broader context of Celtic’s season is worth noting.
The team has been performing strongly in the Scottish Premiership, maintaining a lead over rivals and demonstrating depth across the roster. The extensions also send a signal to the wider football community that Celtic remains committed to retaining talent rather than resorting to a wholesale overhaul.
Fans have reacted positively on social media, celebrating the security these deals provide and expressing optimism that the new contracts will help the club maintain momentum. Analysts have pointed out that securing long‑term deals for players in their prime, such as Scales and McCowan, is a prudent financial move, potentially increasing the club’s resale value should the players attract interest from abroad. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that the freshly signed agreements for James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan will be welcomed by any incoming Celtic manager. The contracts reflect a proactive approach to squad stability, reward players who have delivered consistently, and position the club to continue its pursuit of domestic silverware while preparing for future challenges.