Martin O'Neill is confident that whoever takes over the Celtic helm next season will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The club has locked in veteran winger James Forrest, Irish centre‑back Liam Scales and midfielder Luke McCowan on fresh deals, providing a solid foundation for any future boss. The first signing was announced on Thursday, when the 34‑year‑old James Forrest agreed to extend his stay at Parkhead until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 campaign. Forrest, who has been a mainstay on the left flank for more than a decade, will continue to bring his experience, work‑rate and occasional goal‑scoring threat to the side.
O'Neill praised the winger’s professionalism and said his continued presence will be invaluable as Celtic push for another league‑title and a Scottish Cup triumph. A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish defender Liam Scales had signed a new contract that runs to the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year. The 27‑year‑old centre‑half has emerged as one of the most reliable figures in the back line this season, displaying composure on the ball, aerial dominance and an ability to read the game that belies his age. O'Neill highlighted Scales’ rapid development and stressed that securing his services for the long term was a priority to avoid any uncertainty over his future when a new manager arrives.
The final piece of the puzzle came on Friday, when midfielder Luke McCowan committed his future to Celtic until 2028, again with an optional extra year for the club. McCowan, a versatile player capable of operating centrally or on the wing, has impressed with his energy, passing range and willingness to take on defensive duties.
O'Neill noted that McCowan’s contract reflects the club’s belief that he can become a key component of the midfield engine for years to come. O'Neill, now in his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, has been steering the team toward a potential domestic double. While his own tenure beyond the summer remains uncertain, he insists that the proactive approach to contract renewals puts Celtic in a strong position regardless of who ultimately takes charge. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before offering fresh deals, O'Neill agreed that the point was well taken, but he also argued that the timing was appropriate.
"A new manager will certainly want to keep the players who have proven themselves," he said. "First, they’ll want to know if the players are fit enough – the answer is yes. Second, they’ll ask if the players are good enough – absolutely." He used Scales as an example, 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 can perform at the required level, so my presence or anyone else's doesn’t change that fact," O'Neill explained.
"He’s good enough to play for Celtic now and will only get better with time. The club sees that, and I’m delighted for both Liam and Celtic." O'Neill also spoke highly of Forrest, stating that the winger essentially “speaks for himself” with his consistent performances. "James has been terrific for us, regardless of who’s in charge. He’s worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever arrives at the end of the season – it’s a no‑brainer," O'Neill said.
Regarding McCowan, the interim boss acknowledged the youngster’s desire for more regular starts but praised his contributions so far. "Luke has done really well for us. He’d love more game time, and we’ll do what we can, but his overall impact has been excellent," O'Neill added.
By securing these three players, O'Neill believes Celtic have built a core that will give any incoming manager a clear platform to work from. The contracts not only reward the individuals for their recent performances but also signal the club’s long‑term ambition to remain competitive on both domestic and European fronts.
In summary, the trio of extensions – Forrest until 2025, Scales until 2030 (with an optional extra year) and McCowan until 2028 (also with an option) – represent a strategic move by Celtic to maintain stability and continuity. O'Neill’s message to supporters and prospective managers alike is simple: the squad is in safe hands, the key players are committed, and the groundwork for future success has already been laid.