Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be thrilled with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran Scottish club has been busy locking down key members of its squad, and O'Neill believes these deals will provide stability regardless of who eventually takes charge. On Thursday, long‑serving winger James Forrest put pen to paper on a fresh agreement that will keep the 34‑year‑old on the roster until the close of the next season. Forrest, who has been a staple on the right flank for many years, expressed his gratitude for the vote of confidence and reiterated his desire to continue contributing both on and off the pitch.
The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a new deal that runs through the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to extend the contract for an additional year. Scales, now 27, has become a reliable figure in the defensive line, and the club’s leadership sees him as a cornerstone for the next decade. Midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the Parkhead side, signing a contract that lasts until 2028, again with an optional one‑year extension at the club’s discretion.
McCowan’s versatility in midfield has made him a valuable asset, and the new terms reflect Celtic’s intention to build around a core group of home‑grown talent. O'Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic toward a potential league‑and‑Scottish Cup double. While his own long‑term status remains uncertain, he stressed that the proactive approach to contract renewals puts the club in a secure position for any incoming manager.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before offering fresh contracts, O'Neill acknowledged the point but argued that securing the players now eliminates any risk of losing them in the transfer window. "The incoming manager will certainly want these players," he said.
"The questions are: are they fit enough, and are they good enough? The answer is a resounding yes." He used Scales as a case study, noting that the defender’s deal was nearing its end and that waiting could jeopardise Celtic’s ability to retain him.
"We all see that Liam can perform at a high level, so there’s no reason to delay," O'Neill explained. "His presence on the pitch makes a significant difference, and his continued development will benefit the club for years to come." O'Neill also praised Forrest, describing his contributions as self‑evident. "James speaks for himself with the consistency he has shown," the interim manager said. "He has thrived under several managers, and I’m certain he will continue to impress whoever takes over.
It’s a no‑brainer for any new boss to keep him in the squad." Regarding McCowan, O'Neill highlighted the midfielder’s desire for more playing time but affirmed that his performances have been excellent. "Luke has done really well for us," O'Neill remarked. "He would love to start more games, and I have no doubt he will continue to develop and be an important part of our plans." The three contract extensions send a clear signal that Celtic is committed to maintaining a stable core while also giving the club flexibility for future planning.
By locking in experienced players now, the organization reduces the uncertainty that often accompanies managerial changes and ensures that the new manager inherits a squad with proven quality and leadership. In addition to the contractual news, Celtic continues to engage fans through various digital platforms, encouraging them to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis of Scottish football. The club also promotes its streaming services, offering free highlights and live coverage of the Scottish Premiership, as well as interactive features like the Super 6 competition, which gives supporters a chance to win substantial prizes.
Overall, O'Neill’s proactive stance on contract renewals reflects a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding Celtic’s competitive edge. By securing the futures of Forrest, Scales and McCowan, the club not only retains talent but also sends a message of continuity and ambition to supporters, players, and any prospective manager who may soon take the helm. The upcoming months will reveal whether O'Neill’s interim tenure will transition into a permanent role, but regardless of the outcome, the club’s foundation appears solid. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent under long‑term contracts, Celtic is well‑positioned to pursue further success on domestic fronts and potentially in European competition, all while offering any new manager a ready‑made, high‑quality squad to work with.