League One · Midfielder · #0 · Northern Ireland · 20 yrs
A major rebuild beckons at double winners Celtic this summer. The Scottish Cup victory over Dunfermline last weekend completed a remarkable recovery under Martin O'Neill in a chaotic campaign. For starters, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's Celtic days - and possibly his professional career - are over because of a serious shoulder injury.
Centre-half Liam Scales believes Celtic's late run to a league and cup double means they can go into the next season "on a positive note" while also realising they cannot rest on their laurels. Celtic improved in Martin O'Neill's two spells as interim manager and ended the season beating second-tier Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in Saturday's Scottish Cup final - a week after retaining the Premiership title by beating long-time leaders Hearts by the same scoreline. "It gives us that chance to go into next season on a positive note," 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international Scales said.
Nigeria striker Kelechi Iheanacho has confirmed that he wants to stay with Celtic, who have the option to extend the 29-year-old's deal by a further 12 months if they wish. Marcelo Saracchi will return to Boca Juniors for the second half of their season after talks with Celtic about turning the 28-year-old left-back's loan into a permanent transfer ground to a halt. Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claims Reo Hatate's absence from the team is because the 28-year-old Japan midfielder has fallen out with interim manager Martin O'Neill.
James Forrest lauded Martin O'Neill after Celtic's interim boss guided the club to a historic double in a rollercoaster season, and says whatever the manager decides next will be met with widespread approval. An impressive nine-game winning run as the season drew to a close saw Celtic win the Premiership title last week with a thrilling 3-1 home win over Hearts. Forrest, 34, who won his 28th medal for Celtic on Saturday, a club record, singled out O'Neill's ability to win over all members of the squad quickly.
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