Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be pleased with the trio of new contracts he has secured this week. The seasoned manager highlighted three key signings that lock in important squad members for the coming seasons, underscoring the club’s long‑term planning despite the uncertainty surrounding his own tenure. First, veteran winger James Forrest agreed to a fresh deal on Thursday, extending his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 campaign. Forrest, now 34, remains one of the most experienced players on the roster, offering both on‑field quality and mentorship for younger teammates.
O'Neill praised his professionalism and consistency, noting that Forrest’s commitment to the club is a valuable asset regardless of who takes over the managerial reins. The next announcement came on Friday, when Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had signed a new contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year option available to the club. Scales, who is approaching his late twenties, has become a mainstay in the defensive line and is widely regarded as a player whose future should be secured well before his current deal expires.
O'Neill emphasized that the timing of the extension was crucial, ensuring the club does not risk losing a key defender in the upcoming transfer window. Finally, midfielder Luke McCowan committed his future to the Parkhead side until 2028, also with a club‑held option for an extra year. McCowan, a product of Celtic’s youth system, has grown into a reliable presence in midfield, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.
O'Neill highlighted McCowan’s desire for more regular starts and praised his development, stating that the new contract reflects the confidence the club has in his continued progress. While O'Neill is currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, he remains focused on achieving a league and Scottish Cup double this season. At the same time, speculation about his own future beyond the summer persists.
Nevertheless, he insists that the proactive approach to contract renewals puts Celtic in a stable position, regardless of who ultimately assumes the permanent role. When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager assess the squad before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the club’s strategy was sound. "A new manager will certainly want to keep these players," he explained. "First, they’ll want to know the squad is fit enough to compete, and second, whether the talent level is sufficient.
The answer to both questions is yes." He used Scales as a case in point, noting that the defender is 27 or 28 years old and his contract was nearing its end. "You would want to act now rather than wait," O'Neill said, adding that Scales has already demonstrated his ability to perform at the required level. "My presence or absence won’t change the fact that he can deliver for Celtic. He’s good enough to play now and will only get better with time." O'Neill also spoke highly of Forrest, describing him as a player who "speaks for himself" with his performances.
He highlighted Forrest’s consistency across multiple managerial regimes and suggested that any incoming boss would find him a no‑brainer addition to the squad. "He’s been terrific, regardless of who’s in charge, and will continue to impress whoever takes over," O'Neill asserted. Regarding McCowan, O'Neill noted the midfielder’s eagerness for more playing time and praised his contributions so far. "He’s done really well for us.
He’d love to start more games, and we’re happy with his development," the manager said. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: Celtic has taken decisive steps to secure its core players, ensuring continuity and stability as the club navigates a period of managerial transition.
By locking in Forrest, Scales and McCowan on long‑term deals, the club safeguards its competitive edge and sends a signal to any prospective manager that the foundation of the squad is already in place. This proactive stance, according to O'Neill, will allow the new boss to focus on tactics and further strengthening the team rather than scrambling for contract negotiations.
The announcements were accompanied by a reminder to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, analysis and more. Fans are also encouraged to keep an eye on the Scottish Premiership news, live tables, streaming options and free highlights as the season progresses. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that the recent contract extensions are a win‑win for Celtic: they reward players who have proven their worth, provide the club with a solid core for the future, and give any incoming manager a ready‑made group of committed professionals to build upon.