Martin O'Neill is confident that any future Celtic boss would be thrilled with the three new contract extensions secured this week. The seasoned former manager highlighted how each deal strengthens the squad and provides stability, regardless of who eventually takes charge.
The first signing to be announced was veteran winger James Forrest. The 34‑year‑old put pen to paper on Thursday, committing himself to Celtic until the conclusion of next season. Forrest’s experience on the flank and his familiarity with the club’s culture make him a valuable asset for any manager looking to blend youth with seasoned professionalism. A day later, Celtic confirmed that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a fresh deal that will keep him at the Parkhead side until the summer of 2030.
The agreement also includes an optional extra year that the club can trigger if they deem it appropriate. Scales, now approaching his late twenties, has become a mainstay in the defensive line and his long‑term contract signals the club’s belief in his continued development and importance.
The third extension involved midfielder Luke McCowan, who signed a new contract that runs through 2028, again with an additional year option at Celtic’s discretion. McCowan’s versatility in midfield and his growing influence on the pitch have earned him a place in the manager’s plans for the coming seasons. O’Neill, who is serving his second stint as interim manager after the exits of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, is currently steering Celtic on a quest for a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. While his own future beyond the summer remains uncertain, he emphasized that the club’s proactive approach to securing key players ensures that the team will be in good hands, no matter who steps into the managerial role.
When questioned about 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 the timing was appropriate. He explained that any incoming coach would undoubtedly want to retain the core group of players, and that the club needed to act before Scales’ existing deal expired. "We all see that Liam Scales can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there will make a huge difference. He is good enough to play for the club and to improve as time goes on," O’Neill said.
He went on to praise each of the three players individually. Regarding Scales, O’Neill noted the defender’s age – roughly 27 or 28 – and his contract status, stating that it made sense to lock him down now. He added that Scales has proven himself this season and has been outstanding throughout O’Neill’s two spells at Celtic, deserving the new deal without hesitation.
Turning to Forrest, O’Neill remarked, "James speaks for himself with what he has done. He’s been terrific here, a really great player.
It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he has worked under a number of coaches and will continue to impress whoever comes in. It’s a no‑brainer." As for McCowan, the interim boss said, "Luke has done really well for us. He would love more game time, but he’s already been excellent.
His contributions in midfield give the team balance and creativity, and any manager will appreciate his work ethic and potential." O’Neill’s comments underline a broader philosophy: securing key personnel now prevents uncertainty later and gives any future manager a solid foundation to build upon. By extending contracts with players who have already demonstrated quality and commitment, Celtic can maintain continuity while still allowing room for tactical evolution under new leadership. The three extensions also send a clear message to the fan base that the club is not merely reacting to short‑term pressures but is planning for sustained success. With Forrest’s experience, Scales’s defensive solidity, and McCowan’s midfield dynamism, Celtic retains a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent that can compete on multiple fronts.
While the interim period continues, O’Neill remains focused on delivering results on the pitch. He has guided the team through a series of important fixtures, aiming to clinch the league title and add the Scottish Cup to the trophy cabinet.
The contract renewals, he believes, will provide the squad with the confidence and security needed to perform at their highest level. In summary, O’Neill asserts that the newly signed deals are a win‑win for the club: they reward players who have earned their place, they give any incoming manager a ready‑made core group, and they reinforce Celtic’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of Scottish football.
The proactive steps taken this week should, in his view, ensure that the club’s future remains bright, regardless of who ultimately assumes the managerial helm.