Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contract extensions he has secured this week. The seasoned manager highlighted the importance of locking in key players as the club pushes for a league and Scottish Cup double, while also acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his own tenure beyond the summer.
The first signing to be announced was veteran winger James Forrest, who agreed to a fresh deal on Thursday. The 34‑year‑old will now remain at Celtic until the conclusion of the next season, providing the side with experience on the flanks and a proven goal‑scoring threat.
Forrest’s longevity at the club, combined with his professionalism, makes him a valuable asset regardless of who takes over the managerial reins. The following day, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had signed a new contract that binds him to the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030. The agreement also includes an option for the club to extend the deal by an additional year, giving the board flexibility to retain the defender well into his prime.
Scales, now 27, has become a mainstay in the back line, and O'Neill stressed that his contract situation needed to be addressed promptly to avoid losing a player of his calibre. Midfielder Luke McCowan was the third player to commit his future to the club, penning a deal that runs through 2028 with a further one‑year extension clause at Celtic’s discretion. McCowan’s versatility in midfield has been a key factor in the team’s recent successes, and the new contract reflects the confidence the club has in his continued development. When asked whether it would be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before handing out fresh contracts, O'Neill replied, "I think that's a very good point you make.
Absolutely." He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming manager would consider: the desire to keep the players, their fitness levels, and their overall quality. "One, the new manager would certainly want to retain these individuals. Two, they are fit enough to perform the job.
Three, they are good enough to do the job. Absolutely," he said. O'Neill used Scales as a case study, noting that the defender’s contract was nearing its end and that the club needed to act quickly. "We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there will make a big difference.
He is good enough to play for the football club and to improve as time goes on. That’s how I see it, and more importantly, that’s how the club sees it," he explained. The former interim manager added that he was delighted for Scales and the club, praising the defender’s performances throughout the season. Regarding Forrest, O'Neill said the winger essentially “speaks for himself” with his contributions on the pitch.
"He’s been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he has worked under quite a number of coaches and will impress whoever comes in. That’s a no‑brainer," O'Neill remarked, emphasizing Forrest’s consistency and adaptability. McCowan also received high praise.
O'Neill noted that the midfielder would love more regular starts, but his impact when called upon has been excellent. "Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," the manager said, underscoring the importance of squad depth in a demanding campaign. While O'Neill is currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, he remains focused on delivering a domestic double.
He also hinted that, irrespective of who ultimately takes the helm, Celtic’s proactive approach to securing its core players will provide stability and continuity. The manager’s comments came alongside a promotional push for Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service, which offers the latest sports news, videos, features, and analysis.
In addition, the article included various calls to action for streaming the Scottish Premiership, watching highlights, and participating in a Super 6 competition with a £250,000 prize. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: by locking in Forrest, Scales, and McCowan, Celtic have ensured that any incoming manager will inherit a squad with proven talent, fitness, and a winning mentality. The extensions not only reward the players for their performances but also safeguard the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season and beyond.