Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured for the club 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 a series of extensions that lock in key members of the squad for the coming seasons. The first signing announced on Thursday was long‑serving winger James Forrest. The 34‑year‑old, who has been a fixture on the Parkhead side for many years, agreed to a fresh deal that will keep him at Celtic until the conclusion of the next campaign.
Forrest’s experience and work ethic have made him a beloved figure among supporters, and O'Neill highlighted how valuable his continued presence will be for both the dressing‑room and the on‑field product. A day later the club revealed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had also committed his future to the Bhoys.
Scales, who is approaching his late twenties, signed a contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with an additional one‑year extension option built into the agreement for Celtic. O'Neill praised Scales for his rapid development and consistency, noting that the defender has become an integral part of the back line and that securing his services now prevents any uncertainty when a permanent manager is eventually appointed. The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who has now pledged his allegiance to Celtic until 2028, again with a club‑held option to add another year. McCowan’s versatility and willingness to step up when called upon have earned him O'Neill’s admiration, and the manager believes the midfielder’s growth trajectory will continue under any future leadership.
When asked whether it might have been wiser to wait for a new permanent manager to assess the squad before handing out fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that the proactive approach was the right one. "A new manager will certainly want these players," he said.
"First, they need to be fit enough to perform – they are. Second, they need to be good enough – they absolutely are." He used Scales as an example, explaining that the defender is entering a crucial stage of his career and that allowing his contract to lapse would be a mistake.
"We all see that Liam can deliver at this level, and my presence or absence won’t change that fact," O'Neill added. "He is good enough to play for Celtic now and will only improve as time goes on. The club sees that as well, and I’m delighted for both him and the team." O'Neill also spoke highly of Forrest, saying the veteran’s contributions speak for themselves. "James has been terrific here, a truly great player.
It doesn’t matter who takes over; he has performed under several managers and will continue to impress whoever arrives at the end of the season. It’s a no‑brainer," he remarked.
Regarding McCowan, the interim boss noted the midfielder’s eagerness to feature more regularly. "Luke has done really well for us. He would love more game time, and he’s been excellent when called upon," O'Neill said, emphasizing the player’s professionalism and readiness to step up.
Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: the trio of extensions demonstrates that Celtic is taking a forward‑looking, stable approach despite the temporary nature of his own role. By locking in key talent now, the club ensures that any incoming permanent manager will inherit a squad with proven quality and depth, reducing the need for immediate transfer market activity.
The manager also hinted that the timing of the deals reflects a broader strategy to avoid losing players on free transfers. With the Scottish Premiership season in full swing and Celtic still chasing a league‑and‑cup double, maintaining continuity is vital. "We want to make sure our core group stays together," O'Neill explained. "That continuity helps us push for the titles this season and builds a solid foundation for the future." In summary, Martin O'Neill believes that securing the futures of James Forrest, Liam Scales and Luke McCowan sends a strong signal to any prospective Celtic manager: the club is proactive, the players are of high calibre, and the groundwork for continued success has already been laid.
This proactive contract strategy aims to smooth the transition when a permanent manager is appointed, ensuring that the new boss inherits a squad ready to compete for honours without the disruption of major mid‑season signings.