Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss would be thrilled with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran manager highlighted the recent extensions for James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan, arguing that these deals give any incoming coach a solid foundation of proven talent.
The first signing announced on Thursday was long‑serving winger James Forrest. The 34‑year‑old has agreed to remain at Celtic until the conclusion of the next season, adding another year to his already lengthy tenure at the Glasgow club. Forrest, who has been a mainstay on the right flank for more than a decade, brings experience, leadership and a deep understanding of the club’s culture, qualities that O'Neill believes will be valuable regardless of who takes over the dugout.
A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had put pen to paper on a fresh deal that ties him to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030. The agreement also contains an option for the club to extend the contract for an additional year, giving the board flexibility to keep the 27‑year‑old defender for as long as he continues to perform at a high level. Scales, who has emerged as a reliable figure in the back line, is praised by O'Neill for his consistency, physical presence and ability to read the game, attributes that any manager would find reassuring when planning a defensive strategy.
The third contract extension was for midfielder Luke McCowan, who has now signed on until 2028 with a similar one‑year extension clause. McCowan, a versatile player capable of operating in several midfield roles, has shown steady development over the past seasons.
O'Neill noted that McCowan’s desire for more regular starts is matched by his professionalism and work ethic, making him a valuable squad member for the upcoming campaigns. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic toward a potential league and Scottish Cup double.
While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he stressed that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players demonstrates a long‑term vision that transcends any single managerial appointment. When asked whether it might be wiser to let a new manager evaluate the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the timing was appropriate.
"The incoming boss will certainly want these players," he said. "First, he will want them, second, he will want to know they are fit enough to perform, and third, he will want to be sure they are good enough for the job." He used Scales as a case in point, noting that the defender’s contract was nearing its end and that it made sense to act now rather than later. "We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there will make a big difference," O'Neill explained.
"He is good enough to play for Celtic and will only improve as time goes on. The club sees that, and I’m delighted for him and the team." Regarding Forrest, O'Neill said the winger essentially speaks for himself. "He’s been terrific, a really great player, and it doesn’t matter who the manager is.
He’s worked under a number of coaches and will impress whoever comes in. It’s a no‑brainer." As for McCowan, O'Neill praised his contributions and hinted that the midfielder would love more game time. "He’s done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," the interim boss added.
Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the trio of contract extensions provides any new manager with a core group of experienced, capable players who have already demonstrated their quality at Celtic. By locking down these key assets, the club signals its commitment to continuity and ambition, ensuring that the transition to a permanent head coach can be focused on tactics and strategy rather than renegotiating player terms. The broader context of these moves reflects Celtic’s desire to maintain stability in the Scottish Premiership. With the league becoming increasingly competitive, retaining home‑grown talent and proven performers is essential for sustaining success both domestically and in European competitions.
O'Neill’s proactive stance also sends a message to potential managerial candidates that the squad is already equipped with a solid spine, reducing the pressure to make immediate signings and allowing a new boss to implement their philosophy with a reliable foundation. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that the recent contract renewals for James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan will be welcomed by any future Celtic manager. The extensions secure vital experience, depth and quality across the pitch, offering a stable platform for the club’s ambitions while providing flexibility for the incoming coach to shape the team’s future without the distraction of urgent contract negotiations.