Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured for the squad this week. The veteran winger James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at the club until the conclusion of the next season. A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has agreed to a fresh deal that will keep him at the Glasgow side until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year. The third extension belongs to midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed on until 2028, again with a one‑year extension clause at Celtic's discretion.
O'Neill, who is serving his second interim spell after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering the team toward a possible 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 will give any incoming manager a solid foundation.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before handing out fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "That's a very good observation. Absolutely. The incoming boss will certainly want these players, but he also needs to know they are fit and capable of delivering the results we expect." He elaborated on each signing, beginning with Scales.
"Liam is 27‑28 now, and his current contract is winding down. It makes sense to lock him in now rather than risk losing him later. He has proven he can perform at this level, and I don’t think my presence or absence will change that fact. He is good enough for Celtic, and he will only get better as he gains more experience.
The club sees that, and so do I. I’m thrilled for him and for Celtic." O'Neill then turned to Forrest, noting that the winger’s reputation essentially writes itself. "James speaks for himself. He’s been outstanding this season, and his contributions have been consistent regardless of who is in charge.
He’s a player any manager would love to have – it’s a no‑brainer." Regarding McCowan, the interim manager praised the young midfielder’s attitude and potential. "Luke has done a fantastic job for us. He’d love more minutes on the pitch, and I think he’ll get them. He’s shown he can step up when needed, and his new deal reflects the confidence we have in his development." O'Neill’s comments came amid a broader discussion about Celtic’s transfer strategy and the importance of retaining home‑grown talent.
By securing long‑term contracts for Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club not only safeguards the core of its first team but also sends a clear message to prospective managers that the squad is stable and competitive. This stability is especially valuable in the Scottish Premiership, where clubs often face the challenge of retaining key players amid interest from larger leagues. The three extensions also reflect Celtic’s ambition to build a squad capable of challenging for both domestic silverware and European qualification.
Forrest’s experience on the wing provides leadership and creativity, Scales adds solidity and versatility to the back line, and McCowan offers dynamism in midfield. Together, they form a balanced core around which O'Neill hopes a permanent manager can craft a winning formula.
While O'Neill remains an interim figure, his willingness to act decisively on contracts underscores his commitment to the club’s long‑term success. He stressed that the timing of the deals was intentional: "We didn’t want to wait until the summer window closed and risk losing any of these players. By acting now, we give the incoming manager a clear set of options and avoid any uncertainty that could disrupt the dressing room." Fans have responded positively to the news, with many taking to social media to celebrate the renewed commitments. Supporters appreciate the club’s proactive stance, especially after a season that has seen managerial turnover and intense competition for titles.
The sentiment echoes O'Neill’s own belief that stability off the pitch often translates into confidence on it. Looking ahead, O'Neill hinted that the club’s board will continue to prioritize contract extensions for other key figures, ensuring that Celtic remains a destination for top talent. He added that the new deals are part of a broader plan to maintain a competitive edge and to attract a manager who can build on the foundation already laid.
In summary, Martin O'Neill’s recent contract negotiations have secured three vital members of the Celtic squad for the coming years. Whether the next permanent manager is appointed from within or arrives from elsewhere, they will inherit a group of players who have demonstrated quality, professionalism and a strong desire to succeed. O'Neill believes that this continuity will be instrumental in achieving the club’s objectives, and he remains optimistic that the new agreements will serve Celtic well in the seasons to come.