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 manager, now serving his second stint as interim head coach after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, has overseen extensions for seasoned winger James Forrest, Irish centre‑back Liam Scales and midfielder Luke McCowan, providing the club with a solid core as it pushes for a league‑and‑cup double. James Forrest, the 34‑year‑old wide‑man who has been a fixture at Parkhead for more than a decade, put pen to paper on Thursday, committing his services until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 season.
Forrest’s longevity, work ethic and knack for delivering decisive moments have made him a fan favourite, and O'Neill stressed that retaining a player of his experience is essential for maintaining continuity in a side that is still adjusting to a new managerial regime. The following day Celtic announced that Irish defender Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh deal that runs through the summer of 2030, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement for an additional year. Scales, now 27, has emerged as a reliable figure in the back line, combining composure on the ball with a strong aerial presence. O'Neill highlighted that the timing of the extension was crucial – "His contract was nearing its end, so it made sense to lock him in now rather than risk losing him later." Midfielder Luke McCowan also signed a new contract, this one tying him to the club until 2028, again with an optional extra year at Celtic’s discretion.
McCowan has become an increasingly important part of the midfield engine room, offering versatility and a willingness to work hard for the team. O'Neill praised his ambition, noting that McCowan would love more regular starts and that his performances have already exceeded expectations. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a newly appointed manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the proactive approach was justified. "A new manager will certainly want these players, and they have already proved they are fit and capable of delivering at the highest level," he said.
He added that the club’s decision to secure the trio now removes any uncertainty and allows the incoming boss to focus on tactics rather than contract negotiations. O'Neill, who is still uncertain about his own future beyond the summer, believes that the contract extensions send a clear signal that Celtic remains a stable and ambitious environment.
"Proactive Celtic are in safe hands," he remarked, emphasizing that the club’s leadership has taken decisive steps to protect its assets. Regarding Liam Scales, O'Neill was effusive: "He is 27‑28 now, his contract was about to run out, and we all see that he can perform at this level.
My presence or anyone else's won’t change that fact. He is good enough to play for Celtic and will only improve with time.
I’m delighted for him and the club. He has proved himself this season, and I think he deserves the contract he’s been given." On James Forrest, O'Neill said, "He basically speaks for himself. He’s been terrific, a great player, and it doesn’t matter who is in charge; he has worked under many managers and will continue to impress whoever comes in. It’s a no‑brainer." Similarly, he praised McCowan, noting, "He has done really well for us.
He would love more starts, and he’s been excellent." The manager’s comments underline a broader strategy: by securing key players across different positions, Celtic can maintain a competitive edge while the board searches for a permanent head coach. The extensions also provide reassurance to supporters that the club is not entering a period of uncertainty or mass turnover, but rather building a foundation for sustained success. Beyond the contract news, O'Neill continues to steer Celtic through a demanding schedule, aiming for a domestic double.
The team’s performances in the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup have been solid, and the added stability from the new deals could prove pivotal as the season reaches its climax. In summary, O'Neill’s proactive handling of the three extensions demonstrates a clear vision for the club’s future.
By locking in Forrest, Scales and McCowan, Celtic ensures that any incoming manager will inherit a squad with proven talent, fitness and commitment—qualities that should make the transition smoother and keep the club on a path toward further trophies.