Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that whichever manager eventually takes the helm at Celtic will be delighted by the three new contract agreements he has secured this week. The first of those deals involved veteran wide‑man James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday and committed his services to the club until the conclusion of the next campaign, extending the tenure of the 34‑year‑old Scottish international.
The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had also agreed to a fresh deal, locking him in at Parkhead until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to add an additional year if they so choose. A third extension was handed to midfielder Luke McCowan, whose new contract runs through to 2028, again with Celtic holding a one‑year extension clause.
O'Neill, who is currently serving his second stint as interim boss after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is still chasing a domestic double of the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he expressed confidence that the squad is in "safe hands" thanks to the proactive approach of securing key players now.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a prospective manager to evaluate the squad before any new agreements were offered, O'Neill agreed that the point was well taken. He explained, "A new manager will certainly want to know which players are available and fit for the job. In the case of Liam Scales, for example, he is 27 or 28 and his contract was due to expire soon, so it makes sense to sort that out now rather than later." He added that the quality of the players is not in question, stating, "They are fit, they are good enough, and they have proven they can perform at the highest level for Celtic." O'Neill praised Scales, saying, "We all see that Liam can deliver, and my presence – whether I stay or go – will not change that. He is good enough to play for Celtic and will only improve with time.
I am delighted for him and the club. He has proven himself this season, and in my two spells here he has been outstanding.
He fully deserves the contract on offer." He turned his attention to James Forrest, noting that the winger "speaks for himself" with his consistent performances. "He has been terrific, a great player who has worked under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes over. It’s a no‑brainer that any incoming boss will value him." Regarding Luke McCowan, O'Neill said, "Luke has done really well for us.
He would love more starts, but he has been excellent wherever he has played." The interim manager emphasized that securing these contracts now sends a clear message to any future appointment: the core of the squad is stable, talented, and ready to compete for titles. He believes that by locking in key figures now, Celtic avoids the disruption of a summer exodus and provides continuity for the players, the coaching staff, and the supporters.
In summary, O'Neill’s message is straightforward. The three contract renewals – Forrest, Scales and McCowan – are not just routine extensions; they are strategic moves designed to keep the team competitive and to reassure any incoming manager that the foundation of the squad is already in place. This proactive stance, he argues, will make the transition smoother and give the new boss a ready‑made group of proven professionals to build upon as Celtic aims for further domestic success and possibly European progress.