Martin O'Neill is of the opinion that any new boss who takes over at Celtic will be delighted with the three fresh contracts he has secured this week. The first of those deals involved veteran winger James Forrest, who put pen to paper on Thursday and will now remain at Celtic until the conclusion of the 2024‑25 season, extending his stay at the club that has been his home for more than a decade. The following day, Celtic announced that Irish centre‑back Liam Scales had agreed to a new contract that locks him in until the summer of 2030, with the club retaining an option to trigger an additional year should they wish.
Scales, now 27, had been approaching the end of his existing deal and O'Neill stressed that it was sensible to act before the deadline to avoid any uncertainty about his future. A third extension was handed to midfielder Luke McCowan, who has now committed his services until 2028, again with a one‑year club option built into the agreement. McCowan, who has been a regular feature in the side this season, expressed his gratitude for the vote of confidence and said he is eager to continue contributing to the team’s ambitions.
O'Neill is currently serving his second stint as interim manager after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy. While he is still pursuing a domestic double – the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup – his long‑term future remains uncertain, with the club yet to confirm whether he will be offered the permanent role beyond the summer. Nevertheless, he is confident that, contract‑wise, Celtic are in a secure position regardless of who eventually takes the helm.
When asked whether it might be wiser to allow a new manager to evaluate the squad before any fresh contracts are handed out, O'Neill acknowledged the point, saying, "I think that's a very good point you make. Absolutely." He went on to outline three simple criteria that any incoming manager would likely consider: first, the desire to retain the players; second, their fitness levels; and third, their overall quality. "One, the new manager would definitely want these players. Two, are they fit enough to do the job?
Yes. Three, are they good enough to do the job?
Absolutely," he affirmed. Regarding Liam Scales specifically, O'Neill explained that the defender’s contract was nearing its end and that it made sense to secure his future now. "We all see that Liam can do it, so I don’t think my presence here or there will make a big difference.
He is good enough to play for the club and to keep improving as time goes on. That's how I see it, and more importantly, that's how the club sees it," O'Neill said.
He added, "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." O'Neill also praised James Forrest, stating that the winger essentially speaks for himself through his performances.
"He’s been terrific here, a really great player. It doesn’t matter who the manager is; he’s worked under a number of them and I’m sure he will impress whoever comes in at the end of it all – that’s a no‑brainer," O'Neill remarked. He believes any future manager will enjoy working with a player of Forrest’s experience and professionalism.
Similarly, the midfielder Luke McCowan received high marks. "Luke has done really well for us.
He would like to start more games if he could, but he’s been excellent," O'Neill said, highlighting the young man's desire for more playing time and his consistent contributions when called upon. Overall, O'Neill’s message was clear: by locking in key members of the squad now, Celtic are ensuring continuity and stability, which will benefit any manager who steps into the role. The club’s proactive approach to contract renewals sends a signal to both players and supporters that the organization is committed to maintaining a competitive core while also planning for the future.
In addition to the on‑field implications, these extensions have broader ramifications for Celtic’s financial planning and squad building strategy. Securing long‑term deals for established players can free up budgetary space for targeted signings, as the club will not need to engage in a costly bidding war for its own talent. Moreover, the contracts contain club options for an extra year, providing flexibility to extend relationships if the players continue to perform at a high level. Fans have responded positively to the news, with many expressing relief that beloved figures such as Forrest, Scales and McCowan will remain at Celtic for the foreseeable future.
The sentiment aligns with O'Neill’s belief that a stable core of experienced professionals will ease the transition for any incoming manager and help sustain the club’s pursuit of domestic silverware. While the season’s final outcome remains to be seen, the strategic move to secure these three contracts underlines Celtic’s intent to build on its recent successes and lay a solid foundation for the years ahead. O'Neill’s confidence in the squad’s quality, fitness and readiness reassures supporters that the team is well‑equipped to face upcoming challenges, regardless of who ultimately assumes the permanent managerial role.