Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any future Celtic manager would be thrilled with the three new contract extensions he has secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest put pen to paper on Thursday, committing the 34‑year‑old to stay at the club until the conclusion of next season.
On Friday, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh deal that locks him in until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement for an additional year. The third extension came for midfielder Luke McCowan, who has now signed on until 2028, again with a one‑year extension clause at Celtic’s discretion. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim boss after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently chasing a domestic double of the league title and the Scottish Cup.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own future beyond the summer, he remains confident that Celtic’s proactive approach to retaining key players puts the club in a solid position regardless of who eventually takes the helm. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely." He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming manager would consider: first, the desire to keep the players; second, the players' fitness levels; and third, their overall quality. "Liam Scales is 27 or 28 now, his contract is about to run out, so you would want to act now," O'Neill explained. He emphasized that Scales has already proven his worth and that his presence, whether under O'Neill or a future coach, will not dramatically alter the team's fortunes.
"He is good enough to play for Celtic and will only improve with time," O'Neill added, noting that the club shares this view. "I’m delighted for Liam and the club. He certainly proved himself this season.
I don’t know what he was like before I arrived, but in my two spells here he’s been outstanding and fully deserved the contract on offer." Turning to James Forrest, O'Neill said the winger essentially speaks for himself. "He’s been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn’t matter who the manager is – he’s worked under a number of them and will impress whoever comes in. It’s a no‑brainer," he remarked, expressing confidence that any new boss would enjoy having Forrest in the squad.
Regarding Luke McCowan, O'Neill praised his contributions and hinted that the midfielder would relish more playing time. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," O'Neill said, underscoring the value McCowan brings to the team. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the trio of extensions reflects a strategic, forward‑looking policy that safeguards Celtic’s core talent pool. By securing the services of Forrest, Scales and McCowan now, the club ensures continuity and stability, allowing any incoming manager to focus on tactics and results rather than urgent contract negotiations.
This proactive stance, O'Neill believes, will help Celtic maintain its competitive edge in the Scottish Premiership and on the domestic cup stage, regardless of who ultimately assumes permanent charge. The broader context of these moves highlights Celtic’s intent to build a squad capable of challenging for titles over the coming years.
With the contracts of three key players locked in, the club can plan its recruitment and development pathways with greater certainty. Fans can also take comfort in knowing that familiar faces will remain at Parkhead, providing a blend of experience and ambition that aligns with the club’s historic standards. In summary, O'Neill’s confidence in the new deals underscores a belief that Celtic is in safe hands, and that any future manager will inherit a group of players who are fit, talented and fully committed to the club’s success.