Celtic trio Scales, McCowan and Forrest seal contract extensions into 2030s

Celtic have extended deals for Liam Scales until 2030, Luke McCowan until 2028, and James Forrest for one more year.

Contract extensions announced Friday Celtic made public on Friday that three players—Liam Scales, Luke McCowan, and James Forrest—have all received new contract agreements. Scales, a 27-year-old Republic of Ireland centre-half, joined Celtic from Shamrock Rovers in 2021 and signed a four-year deal in 2024 before extending his stay until summer 2030. McCowan, a 28-year-old midfielder acquired from Dundee in summer 2024 on a three-year contract, now has terms running through summer 2028. Forrest, Scotland’s 34-year-old winger, committed to another year just one day earlier. ## Interim manager backs new deals Interim manager Martin O’Neill stated that whoever takes over permanently this summer would likely appreciate the club’s decision to extend contracts for Scales, McCowan, and Forrest. O’Neill mentioned he has not been directly involved in recruitment but would share opinions on potential signings and contract talks. 'I genuinely think whoever was going to come in would enjoy working with those players,' he shared. O’Neill also noted that approving Forrest’s new deal was 'a no-brainer,' despite the player’s primary role now coming from the bench. ## Scales praised for defensive impact O’Neill described Scales as a key figure since his arrival, saying, 'I don’t know what he was like for the first part of the season. But, since I’ve been here, he’s been absolutely terrific.' Scales has contributed as a centre-half and can also fill in at left-back, according to O’Neill, who added that the team performs better with him in the lineup. Scales himself reflected on his journey, telling Celtic TV, 'I came over, I was raw and didn’t really know what to expect.' He acknowledged growth through his time in Scotland and expressed excitement about the club’s future. ## McCowan reflects on rapid rise O’Neill called McCowan a 'solid little midfield player with a good eye for a pass' and noted his ability to find the target when near goal. McCowan, a lifelong Celtic fan, admitted it feels like no time has passed since he joined the club as a late deadline-day signing. 'Absolutely buzzing,' he said of his new contract. 'Initially I probably wouldn’t have dreamed to have played for Celtic and to get that far. To be able to say I’m singing another deal, I feel absolutely electric inside.' ## Forrest commits for 18th season Forrest, Celtic’s most decorated player, signed on for an additional year after previously extending his stay. O’Neill described extending his contract as a logical decision despite Forrest’s reduced minutes, calling it 'a no-brainer.' Forrest has been a mainstay at the club for nearly two decades and continues to contribute to the team’s success.