Scales and McCowan Sign New Celtic Contracts
Republic of Ireland centre-half Liam Scales and Scottish midfielder Luke McCowan have both agreed to extend their contracts with Celtic Football Club.
This announcement follows the news from 24 hours earlier that Scotland winger James Forrest, aged 34, has committed to another year with the club.
Celtic confirmed that 27-year-old Scales, who joined from Shamrock Rovers in 2021 and had signed a four-year contract in 2024, has now agreed to a new deal extending his stay until the summer of 2030.
Similarly, 28-year-old McCowan, who was acquired from Dundee in the summer of 2024 on a three-year contract, has extended his terms to run until the summer of 2028.
Player Perspectives
Scales, who has earned 14 caps for the Republic of Ireland, spoke to Celtic TV about his development since arriving from his home country.
"I came over, I was raw and didn't really know what to expect," he said. "There was a big gap in the level I was coming from and my loan at Aberdeen helped me grow massively as a player.
As a centre-half, you might peak at a later age than some other positions, so I hope these next four or five years will be my best.
It is an amazing club and I've grown to love it. I love my life here in Scotland and it was good for all parties to get this one."
McCowan, a lifelong Celtic supporter, reflected on his journey since joining the club.
"It does not feel long since I was a late deadline-day signing.
Absolutely buzzing," he said regarding 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 signing another deal, I feel absolutely electric inside."
He also expressed pride in contributing to Celtic's dominant Scottish title win during his first season.
"The highs have been amazing and hopefully there's more of that," he said.
"I have just become a lot more mature. It has been great to learn from these guys who have been here so long."
Managerial Praise
Martin O'Neill, who served as interim manager during two spells this season, commended both players for their performances.
Regarding Scales, O'Neill stated:
"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.
We are a better team when he's in and he's also got the ability to play at left-back. He's been a major player for us this season."
On McCowan, O'Neill commented:
"He's made a major contribution.
He's a solid little midfield player with a good eye for a pass and, if close to goal, you feel he is going to go close to the target."
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