Agent: Nicholson, Parris available for upcoming games
Kam selection ahead of the Reggae Boyz’s upcoming friendlies and Nations Cup tournament.
Nicholson, who plays for Russian Club Spartak Moscow and Parris, of Slovenian League leaders FC Koper, were unavailable for matches earlier this year.
Nicholson turned down an invitation to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica in January because he needed more time to settle in at his new club, after a move from Belgian club Charleroi. Parris was reported to have turned down an invitation for a friendly international against Peru on January 20 after contracting COVID-19.
At the time, interim Reggae Boyz coach Paul Hall expressed his disappointment with the pair’s absence but Cowan says both players had valid reasons for being absent and he hopes that the players will be selected for the Reggae Boyz’s upcoming games.
“Both of them are available for selection,” Cowan declared. “Paul Hall will make a decision if he needs them in the squad or not. But the ball is in his court. If he deems them good enough he will call them, if not he will not call them.
“But I expect Paul Hall to be a professional person and if Shamar said he had a personal reason the last time then I do not think he (Hall) is going to hold a grudge.”
Nicholson, who went past the 20-goal mark for the season last weekend, is having his best season in Europe. Parris, with 12 goals for Koper, is having an equally impactful season in Slovenia where he helped his team to top of the league and into today’s cup final.
Although nothing is guaranteed, Cowan believes with the season the two players are having, it will make it very difficult for Hall to ignore them.
“I think he (Hall) is ready to move forward with his best possible team and if he thinks Shamar is one of the strongest players then I assume he will include him in the team.
“Parris has been in Europe for three years and he is a maturing player. He is currently fighting for silverware in a quality European league, so there are certain experiences he can bring to the team,” he said.