Martin O'Neill is confident that whichever new manager takes over at Celtic will be thrilled with the three fresh contract extensions secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, committing his services to the 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 ties him to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement for an additional year. The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed on until 2028, again with Celtic holding a one‑year extension clause.
O'Neill, who is serving his second interim spell after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still chasing a league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he insists that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players puts any incoming boss in a strong position. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering new contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "Absolutely, that's a very good observation." He went on to outline three simple criteria a new manager would consider: first, the desire to keep the players; second, whether they are fit enough to perform; and third, whether they possess the quality required for the job.
"Liam Scales is 27‑28 years old and his contract was about to run out," O'Neill explained. "You’d want to sort that out now rather than later." The former manager stressed that Scales has proven his worth and that his presence, whether O'Neill stays or departs, will not dramatically alter the team’s trajectory.
"He is good enough to play for Celtic and will only get better with time," O'Neill said, adding that the club shares this view. "I’m delighted for Liam and the club. He has shown his quality this season, and even though I don’t know what he was like before I arrived, in my two spells here he has been outstanding. He deserves the contract on offer." Regarding Forrest, O'Neill was equally effusive.
"James essentially speaks for himself with his performances. He 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." Luke McCowan also received high praise.
O'Neill noted that the midfielder has performed admirably and would love more playing time. "He has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," the interim boss said. By locking in these three players, Celtic not only safeguards experienced talent but also sends a clear signal to any prospective manager that the core of the squad is stable and competitive.
O'Neill believes this continuity will make the transition smoother and give the new boss a solid foundation on which to build. "I genuinely think whoever comes in will enjoy working with these players," he concluded. The contract extensions also reflect Celtic’s broader strategy of retaining home‑grown and Irish talent, ensuring the club remains competitive both domestically and in European competitions. With Forrest’s wing‑play, Scales’ defensive solidity, and McCowan’s midfield dynamism, the team retains a balanced mix of experience and potential.
This blend is crucial for a club aiming to dominate the Scottish Premiership while also making deeper runs in continental tournaments. In summary, O'Neill’s message is clear: the club has acted decisively to protect its assets, and any new manager stepping into the role will inherit a squad that is both capable and motivated. The three new deals underscore Celtic’s commitment to continuity and ambition, providing a stable platform for future success regardless of who ultimately takes the helm.