Martin O'Neill is convinced that whichever manager eventually takes the helm at Celtic will be delighted with the three new contract extensions secured this week. The veteran manager highlighted the importance of securing key players before a new boss arrives, and he believes the deals send a clear signal that the club’s core remains stable and competitive. The first signing announced was long‑serving winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday to extend his stay at Celtic until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 season. The 34‑year‑old, a fan favourite known for his tireless work‑rate and occasional moments of brilliance on the flank, will now continue to provide experience and leadership on and off the pitch.
A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year. The 27‑year‑old defender has become a mainstay in the back line, praised for his composure, aerial ability and knack for reading the game.
O'Neill stressed that locking Scales down now prevents any uncertainty over his future as his previous deal approached its expiry. The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who signed a new agreement lasting until 2028, again with an optional extra year for Celtic to trigger. McCowan, a versatile central midfielder, has shown steady improvement and has been a regular feature in the squad, offering both defensive cover and forward thrust when required. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic in a bid for a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
While his own long‑term future remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the club is in capable hands regardless of who assumes the permanent role. 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 but argued that proactive renewals are essential for maintaining continuity. “It’s a very valid observation,” he said. “A new manager will certainly want to keep the players who have proven themselves, and the club needs to ensure those contracts are secured while we still have the leverage.” He went on to explain his reasoning in three parts: first, any incoming manager would undoubtedly want to retain the talent already on the books; second, the players are fit and ready to contribute; and third, they possess the quality required to achieve the club’s objectives.
Using Scales as an example, O'Neill noted, “He’s approaching the end of his current deal, so it makes sense to act now rather than risk losing him later.” The former manager also highlighted that the presence or absence of his own tenure will not dramatically alter the players’ performances. “We all see that Liam Scales can deliver,” O'Neill said. “My involvement, whether I’m here or not, won’t change that fact. He’s good enough to play for Celtic now and will only get better with time.” O'Neill praised each of the three players individually.
Regarding Scales, he said, “I’m delighted for him and the club. He’s shown his worth this season, and in my two spells here he’s consistently exceeded expectations. He absolutely deserves the contract on offer.” Speaking about Forrest, O'Neill remarked, “James essentially speaks for himself. He’s been outstanding, regardless of who’s in charge.
He’s a no‑brainer for any manager who arrives – his experience and professionalism are invaluable.” As for McCowan, the interim boss added, “Luke has performed admirably for us. He’d love more minutes, and we’ll do what we can to give him that. His contributions have been excellent and he’ll continue to be a key part of our midfield plans.” Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the club has taken decisive steps to secure its future core, ensuring that any incoming manager inherits a squad with proven talent and depth. By finalising these deals now, Celtic not only protects its assets but also sends a strong statement of intent to rivals and supporters alike.
The extensions provide stability, allowing the team to focus on the immediate challenge of clinching the league title and the Scottish Cup, while also laying a solid foundation for the seasons ahead. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the network delivers real‑time news, videos, and expert commentary on all things Scottish football.