Martin O’Neill: Any Celtic boss would be happy that trio have signed new deals

Martin O’Neill believes any potential new Celtic manager would be pleased with the triple contract extensions he has overseen this week.

Veteran winger James Forrest signed a new deal on Thursday, keeping the 34-year-old on until the end of next season.

The Parkhead club announced on Friday that Irish defender Liam Scales signed a new contract which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2030, with Celtic having an option to extend for a further year.

Then midway through the media conference ahead of the William Hill Premiership game against Falkirk at Parkhead on Saturday, news emerged that midfielder Luke McCowan had signed a new deal until 2028, again with Celtic taking the option to extend for another year.

O’Neill is in his second spell as interim manager this season after the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy and while he chases a league and Scottish Gas Scottish Cup double, there remains some uncertainty around him staying on beyond the summer.

However he is confident that, regardless, “proactive” Celtic are in safe hands with their new deals.

Asked if it would not be better to let any new manager have a look at the players first before any new contracts were offered, he said: “I think that’s a very good point you make. Absolutely.

“I think that the new manager coming in, one; would accept that he 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.

“Let’s say Liam Scales, he’s 27, 28 years of age, his contract is running down at this minute. I think you’d want to do something about it now.

“We all see that Liam Scales can do it so I don’t think that my presence either here or there is going to make a big difference. That’s how I see it.

“I just think that he is good enough to play for the football club. Good enough to improve as well too as time goes on. That’s probably how I’d see it and more importantly, I think that’s how the club see it.

“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.

“James, in that sense, speaks for himself really, with what he has done.

“He’s been terrific here, he’s been 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 so that is one, what’s that phrase – a no-brainer?

“I genuinely think whoever was going to come in would enjoy working with those players.

“Luke has done really well for us. He would like to start more games if he could. But he’s been excellent.”