Martin O'Neill is convinced that any new manager who takes charge of Celtic would be thrilled with the three fresh contract renewals he has secured this week. The veteran winger James Forrest, now 34, put pen to paper on Thursday, extending his stay at the Glasgow side until the close of the next season.
A day later, the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has agreed to a new deal that locks him in until the summer of 2030, with Celtic retaining the option to add an additional year if they wish. The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who has signed on until 2028, again with a one‑year club option built into the agreement.
O'Neill, who is serving his second interim spell after the exits 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 expressed confidence that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players will leave any successor in a strong position.
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, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely." He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming boss would consider: first, the desire to retain the players; second, the players' fitness levels; and third, their overall quality.
"One, the new manager would definitely want these players. Two, are they fit enough to do the job? Yes.
Three, are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely," he asserted.
Regarding Liam Scales, O'Neill highlighted the defender's age—27 or 28, depending on the source—and the fact that his contract was approaching its end. "You would want to act now," O'Neill said, emphasizing that Scales has proven his worth and that his presence, whether under O'Neill or a future manager, would not dramatically alter the team's dynamics. "He is good enough to play for Celtic and will continue to improve as time goes on," O'Neill added, noting that the club shares this view. The former player expressed genuine delight for Scales, praising his performances this season and noting that, in O'Neill’s two spells at Celtic, Scales has been "absolutely outstanding" and fully deserving of the new contract.
He turned his attention to James Forrest, stating that the veteran's contributions speak for themselves. "He's been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn't matter who the manager is; he's worked under quite a number of them and will continue to impress whoever comes in," O'Neill said, describing Forrest as a "no‑brainer" for any manager's plans. Luke McCowan also received high praise.
O'Neill said the midfielder has done very well for the club and would love more game time, but even in his current role he has been "excellent." The manager believes that McCowan's development will continue under any new leadership, adding depth and versatility to the squad. These contract extensions send a clear message to any prospective Celtic boss: the core of the team is already secured, allowing the new manager to focus on tactical tweaks and squad rotation rather than worrying about losing key personnel. O'Neill’s proactive strategy not only protects the club’s assets but also signals ambition, showing that Celtic intends to keep its talent pool stable while aiming for domestic success. In the broader context of Scottish football, securing long‑term deals for players like Scales, Forrest and McCowan helps Celtic maintain its competitive edge in the Premiership and European competitions.
It also demonstrates financial prudence, as extending contracts early can often prevent costly negotiations later on and ward off interest from rival clubs. Fans have reacted positively to the news, with many taking to social media to celebrate the club’s commitment to its homegrown and recruited talent. The extensions are also expected to boost morale within the dressing room, reinforcing a sense of continuity and belonging among the squad.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Celtic’s performance in the league and the Scottish Cup. Should O'Neill’s interim tenure culminate in a double, the timing of these contracts could be seen as a masterstroke, cementing the club’s foundation for future triumphs regardless of who eventually takes the helm. In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that any incoming manager will find the recent trio of contract renewals—James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan—both reassuring and strategically advantageous. By locking in experience, defensive solidity and midfield creativity, Celtic positions itself for sustained success, while also providing a stable platform for the next permanent manager to build upon.