Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any future Celtic manager would be thrilled with the trio of new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of next season, ensuring the 34‑year‑old remains a fixture on the Parkhead side for at least another campaign.

On Friday the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has also agreed to a fresh deal, tying him to the Bhoys until the summer of 2030, with an additional clause giving Celtic the option to prolong the agreement for a further year if they so wish. The third name on O'Neill’s list of extensions is midfielder Luke McCowan, who has committed his services until 2028, again with a one‑year extension option built into the contract. O'Neill is currently serving his second stint as interim boss this season, stepping in after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. While he is still chasing a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup – his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players will leave any incoming manager in a strong position. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill agreed that the point was well taken.

"I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely," he replied. He went on to outline three simple criteria that any new coach would likely consider: first, the desire to retain the players; second, the players' 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 to do the job?

Absolutely," he affirmed. Regarding Scales specifically, O'Neill noted the defender’s age – approaching his late twenties – and the fact that his contract was nearing its end. "Liam is 27, 28 now, his contract is running down at this minute. I think you'd want to do something about it now," the interim manager said, emphasizing the importance of acting before a key player becomes a free agent.

He added that the decision to extend Scales’ deal was based on performance rather than his own presence at the club. "We all see that Liam can do it, so I don't think my presence either here or there is going to make a big difference.

That's how I see it," O'Neill explained. "He is good enough to play for the football club and to improve as time goes on. That's probably how I'd see it and, more importantly, I think that's how the club sees it.

I'm delighted for Liam and the club. He certainly proved himself this season.

I don't know what he was like before I came in, but in my two spells here he's been absolutely outstanding. He's deserved the contract in front of him." O'Neill also praised James Forrest, saying the winger essentially speaks for himself. "James, in that sense, speaks for himself really, with what he has done.

He's been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn't matter who's going to be the manager, he's worked under quite a number of them, and I'm sure he will impress whoever's coming in at the end of it all – that's a no‑brainer," the manager remarked.

He believes any future boss will enjoy having Forrest in the squad. Turning to Luke McCowan, O'Neill highlighted the midfielder’s desire for more regular 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, acknowledging McCowan’s contributions and his potential to become an even more integral part of the team.

Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: by locking in key players now, Celtic is safeguarding its competitive edge and giving any successor a solid foundation to build upon. He stressed that proactive contract management is a sign of a club that thinks ahead, ensuring stability and continuity regardless of who sits on the touchline next season.

The statements came amid a broader discussion about the Scottish Premiership, with Sky Sports urging fans to follow their coverage on WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, features, and analysis. While the league continues to generate excitement, Celtic’s focus on retaining its core talent underscores a commitment to maintaining its status as a dominant force in Scottish football. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the new contracts translate into on‑field performance and whether the club can achieve the coveted league and cup double. Meanwhile, O'Neill’s interim tenure remains under the microscope, but his pragmatic approach to squad stability has earned him praise from supporters and pundits alike.

The next manager, whenever appointed, will inherit a roster that has already demonstrated quality, fitness, and a willingness to fight for the club’s ambitions.