Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss will be delighted with the three new contracts he has secured this week. The veteran manager, now serving his second interim stint after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, has overseen a flurry of renewals that lock in key squad members for the coming seasons.
On Thursday, long‑serving winger James Forrest put pen to paper on a fresh deal that keeps the 34‑year‑old at Celtic until the conclusion of the next campaign. Forrest, who has been a fixture on the Parkhead side for over a decade, will continue to provide experience and width on the flank as the club chases a league‑and‑cup double. The following day, the club confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales has agreed to a new contract that runs through the summer of 2030, with Celtic retaining an option to extend the agreement for an additional year.
Scales, now 27, has become a reliable figure in the heart of defence and O'Neill believes locking him up early prevents any uncertainty over his future. Midfielder Luke McCowan also committed his future to the Bhoys, signing a deal that runs until 2028, again with a one‑year extension clause at the club’s discretion.
McCowan, who has been a regular presence in the midfield, will now have the security to focus on his development and contribution to the team’s ambitions. When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to assess the squad before any new contracts are handed out, O'Neill acknowledged the point but maintained that proactive planning is essential.
"I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely," he said.
He explained that a incoming manager would likely want to retain the players who have already proven their worth, and that the club’s decision to secure them now removes any doubt about their availability. "The new manager coming in would definitely want these players," O'Neill continued. "Are they fit enough to do the job? Yes.
Are they good enough to do the job? Absolutely." He used Scales as an example, noting that the defender’s contract was approaching its end and that the club needed to act promptly.
"We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there is going to make a big difference. That's how I see it," O'Neill added. The former manager praised Scales for his growth during his time at Celtic, saying, "He is good enough to play for the football club and good enough to improve as time goes on. I'm delighted for Liam and the club.
He certainly proved himself this season. I don’t know what he was like before I came in, but in my two spells here he’s been absolutely outstanding. He’s deserved the contract in front of him." For Forrest, O'Neill was equally effusive.
"James, in that sense, speaks for himself really, with what he has done. He’s been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn’t matter who’s going to be the manager, he’s worked under quite a number and I’m sure he will impress whoever’s coming in at the end of it all – that’s a no‑brainer," the manager said.
Regarding McCowan, O'Neill noted the midfielder’s desire for more game time but praised his performances nonetheless. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," he remarked. While O'Neill remains focused on delivering a Scottish Premiership title and a Scottish Cup triumph this season, his contract situation beyond the summer remains uncertain. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the proactive approach to renewals puts Celtic in a stable position regardless of who takes over the helm.
"I just think that they are good enough to play for the football club. Good enough to improve as well as time goes on. That’s probably how I see it and more importantly, I think that’s how the club sees it," he concluded. The trio of extensions sends a clear message to any prospective manager: the core of the squad is secured, the players are fit, and they possess the quality needed to compete at the highest level in Scotland.
By handling the contracts now, Celtic avoids potential distractions later in the season and ensures continuity as they push for domestic silverware. O'Neill’s remarks also underscore a broader philosophy within the club – that strategic, forward‑looking decisions are vital for sustained success. By locking in experienced veterans like Forrest, promising defenders like Scales, and versatile midfielders like McCowan, Celtic demonstrates a commitment to both immediate results and long‑term stability.
Fans can look forward to seeing these players continue to contribute to the team's objectives, while the board and coaching staff can concentrate on tactical preparations without the looming uncertainty of contract negotiations. In O'Neill’s words, the proactive signings are a win‑win for everyone involved, and any new manager stepping into Celtic Park will inherit a squad ready to compete and improve together.