Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss would be delighted with the three contract renewals he has secured this week. The veteran manager, now serving his second interim spell after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, has overseen extensions for seasoned winger James Forrest, Irish centre‑back Liam Scales and midfield prospect Luke McCowan, signaling stability and ambition at Parkhead as the club pushes for a league‑and‑cup double. The first of the deals was sealed on Thursday when James Forrest, the 34‑year‑old right‑winger who has been a fixture in the Celtic first team for more than a decade, signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until the conclusion of next season. Forrest’s experience, work‑rate and knack for delivering crucial goals have made him a fan favourite, and O'Neill highlighted that his continued presence will provide a valuable mentor for younger squad members while still offering a reliable option on the flank.
The following day the club announced that Irish defender Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh deal that runs through the summer of 2030, with Celtic retaining an option to extend the agreement for an additional year. Scales, now 27, has emerged as a key figure in the back line, combining composure on the ball with strong aerial ability and an increasingly confident reading of the game.
O'Neill praised his development, noting that the defender has become indispensable and that securing his services for the long term prevents any risk of losing a player who has proven his quality at the highest level of Scottish football. On Friday, midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the club by signing a contract that runs until 2028, again with an optional extra year at Celtic’s discretion. McCowan, a product of the academy, has grown into a versatile central midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.
O'Neill remarked that McCowan’s ambition to feature more regularly aligns perfectly with the club’s plans, and that his continued development will be vital as Celtic seeks to maintain dominance domestically and make an impact in European competition. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before extending contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that proactive renewal sends a clear message of stability. "A new manager will certainly want to keep these players," he said.
"First, he will recognise that they are fit and ready to perform. Second, he will see that they possess the quality required to achieve our objectives." He used Scales as an example, explaining that the defender’s contract was approaching its end and that it made sense to act now rather than risk losing him in the summer market.
"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 with time. The club shares that view, and I’m delighted for both him and the organization." O'Neill also spoke highly of Forrest, stating that the winger’s contributions speak for themselves.
"James has been terrific for us," the manager said. "He has performed under several managers and will continue to impress whoever takes charge next. It’s a no‑brainer that any incoming boss will value his experience and skill set." Regarding McCowan, O'Neill noted the youngster’s eagerness to earn more starts and praised his consistency.
"Luke has done really well for us. He would love more game time, and he has shown he can deliver when called upon.
His contract reflects the club’s belief in his potential," O'Neill explained. Beyond the individual contracts, the extensions underscore Celtic’s broader strategy of blending seasoned professionals with home‑grown talent to create a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. By locking in key players now, the club avoids the disruption that can arise from contract disputes or last‑minute departures, allowing the coaching staff to focus on tactical preparation and player development.
While O'Neill’s interim tenure continues, the manager remains aware that his future beyond the summer is uncertain. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the proactive approach to contract renewals ensures the club will remain in safe hands regardless of who ultimately takes the helm. "The new manager will inherit a group of players who are fit, capable, and motivated," O'Neill said. "That foundation gives them the best possible platform to succeed." In summary, the trio of extensions—Forrest until the end of next season, Scales through 2030 with an optional year, and McCowan until 2028 with a similar option—demonstrates Celtic’s commitment to retaining core talent while providing continuity for any incoming manager.
O'Neill’s remarks highlight the importance of securing these deals early, the confidence the club has in each player’s ability, and the belief that a stable squad will be a key factor in achieving future success on both domestic and European stages.