Celtic duo handed contract rewards as club as Martin O'Neill makes 'better team' declaration
Celtic pair agree contracts extensions at Parkhead
Celtic have confirmed that Liam Scales and Luke McCowan have become the latest players to agree an extension to their contracts at Parkhead.
The first-team duo have joined veteran winger James Forrest in putting pen to paper on a fresh deal, with the 34-year-old having confirmed that he signed a new one-year contract on Thursday.
The longest of two new contracts goes to Scales, with the Republic of Ireland winger agreeing a new four-year deal until the summer of 2030 after playing a prominent role at the heart of the Celtic defence this year. The 27-year-old has started 29 of the club’s 33 league games this term and captained the side in the Scottish Cup penalty shootout win against Rangers last month.
Upon confirmation of the news, manager Martin O’Neill said: “I’m delighted for him and delighted for the club because I think Liam’s been outstanding, and since I’ve been here, he’s been absolutely terrific. We are a better team when he’s in and he’s also got the ability to play left-back, and I think it’s good news for the club because he’s always there. I like him a lot and I think he’s been a major player for us this season.”
Scales himself added: “I’m delighted to commit for another few years here.” Scales said. “It’s an amazing club and I’ve grown to love it. I feel a real part of it now. I really enjoy myself here, I love my life here in Scotland and it was good for all parties to get this done.”
Signed from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2021, the versatile centre-back has three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups, and one Scottish Cup during his time at the club, and was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year during the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, former Dundee captain McCowan has agreed a two-year extension with the defending champions which will see him remain in the east of Glasgow until the summer of 2028. Signed for just £1million on summer deadline day in 2024, the midfielder has made over 80 appearances since arriving from Dens Park, scoring 11 goals in the process.
“I’m just so happy that we got the deal over the line,” said McCowan. “Now I’m able to help the boys for the coming years and be a part of this amazing squad. I think I’ve become a lot more mature in terms of winning and losing, and I’m dealing with a lot of press and media now.
“To be a part of the team as well through winning and losing has been a massive part because nobody likes to lose, but when you do you because closer as a team sometimes. We’ve been able to do that, but the highs have been absolutely amazing and hopefully there’s more to come with that.”
Celtic boss O’Neill added: “Luke’s had a major contribution in my time here. He’s a solid midfield player with a good eye for a pass, too, and close to goal you feel as if he’s going to put the ball on target. I’ve enjoyed his company and his time here, and he is genuinely a terrific lad.”
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