Martin O'Neill is convinced that whichever manager steps into the Celtic dugout next season will be thrilled with the three fresh contracts he has secured this week. The veteran Scottish club has moved quickly to lock in key members of its squad, ensuring continuity and stability regardless of who takes charge after the current interim period. On Thursday, seasoned winger James Forrest put pen to paper on a new agreement that will keep the 34‑year‑old on the Parkhead roster until the conclusion of next season.
Forrest, who has been a mainstay on the right flank for many years, has consistently delivered pace, crossing ability and a professional attitude that younger players can emulate. His renewed deal reflects both his on‑field contributions and his role as a mentor within the dressing room. The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had also committed his future to the club.
Scales, now 27, signed a contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with an additional clause giving the club the option to extend the agreement for a further year. The long‑term nature of this deal highlights the confidence the coaching staff have in his defensive capabilities and his potential to develop into a cornerstone of the back line for years to come. Midfielder Luke McCowan was the third player to receive a fresh contract, agreeing to stay at Celtic until 2028, again with an optional one‑year extension at the club’s discretion.
McCowan’s versatility in midfield, his work‑rate and his growing influence in both defensive and attacking phases have made him a valuable asset, and the new terms reward his progress while giving the management flexibility to retain him as the team evolves. O'Neill, now in his second spell as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is steering Celtic toward a possible league and Scottish Cup double. Despite the success on the pitch, there remains uncertainty about his own future beyond the summer.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the squad’s newly secured contracts put the club in a strong position, regardless of who ultimately assumes the permanent role. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the playing staff before offering fresh deals, O'Neill acknowledged the point and agreed it was a valid consideration.
He explained that any incoming manager would undoubtedly want to retain players of this calibre, and that the club’s proactive approach ensures those players are already tied down, removing any immediate contractual distractions. "The new manager will certainly want these individuals," O'Neill said.
"First, they are fit and ready to perform. Second, they possess the quality required to compete at the highest level in Scotland." He used Scales as an example, noting that the defender’s contract was approaching its end and that it made sense to act now rather than later. "We all see that Liam can deliver for Celtic, and my presence—whether I stay or leave—won’t change that fact," O'Neill added. He praised Scales for his development, stating that the defender has become good enough not only to play for Celtic but also to improve further as he gains more experience.
O'Neill also lauded Forrest, describing him as a player whose reputation essentially speaks for itself. "James has been terrific for us," he remarked. "He’s performed under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes over.
It’s a no‑brainer that any new boss would be delighted to have him in the squad." Regarding McCowan, O'Neill highlighted the midfielder’s desire for more playing time and his overall excellence. "Luke has done really well for us.
He’d love to start more games, and his contributions have been excellent," O'Neill said, underscoring the player’s growth and importance to the team’s midfield dynamics. By securing these three contracts, Celtic not only rewards individual performances but also sends a clear message to the fan base and prospective managers: the club is committed to building a competitive, cohesive unit that can challenge for honours now and in the future. The proactive contract strategy reduces the risk of losing key talent during a transitional period and gives the incoming manager a solid foundation on which to implement their tactical vision.
In summary, O'Neill believes that any new Celtic manager will find themselves in a favourable situation thanks to the recent extensions for Forrest, Scales and McCowan. The deals reflect the club’s long‑term planning, the players’ proven abilities, and a shared ambition to maintain Celtic’s status as a dominant force in Scottish football. The upcoming season will reveal how these contracts translate into on‑field success, but the groundwork has undoubtedly been laid for continuity and progress.