Cowan: Nicholson is safe in Moscow

Kevin Cowan, the agent for Moscow-based Reggae Boyz striker Shamar Nicholson, says he is closely monitoring the situation in Russia following that country’s invasion of neighbours Ukraine.

Russia launched military operations in Ukraine early yesterday and anti-war protests have taken place in Moscow.

Cowan told The Gleaner that he has had talks with officials at Nicholson’s club, Spartak Moscow, and they have assured him that the player is very safe at the moment.

“I had dialogue with the sporting director this morning (Thursday) and he has assured me that for the moment everything is fine and everything is under control,” said Cowan. “Shamar’s day-to-day life right now is the same as it was upon his arrival,” he said.

NORMAL ACTIVITIES

“Everything is basically normal although everyone is aware of the tension and conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” Cowan said. “As it pertains specifically to Spartak Moscow players they are having their normal activities,” he said.

Cowan underscored that he is paying attention to the situation and, therefore, he will be moving the player swiftly out of the country if the situation worsens in Russia.

“As the agent, absolutely I am monitoring the situation and naturally I am concerned, but not in a state of panic. However, I am following it closely so that I am not surprised at any time,” he said.

Nicholson started his professional career with local club Boys’ Town as an 18-year-old in 2014 before moving to Slovenian club NK Domzale in 2017, where he scored 18 goals in 47 appearances.

In 2019, he was bought by Belgian club Charleroi, where he spent two and a half seasons. He scored 17 goals over the course of the first two seasons and had reached a tally of 13 goals for the 2021-22 season before moving to Spartak Moscow in January.

Cowan added that the player is doing well and is now looking forward to the restart of the Russian season tomorrow following the winter break.

“He is in high spirits and he is now ready for his first match, which is scheduled for this Saturday, and it is going to be a big derby match against CSKA Moscow. He is just looking forward to making his debut for his club,” Cowan said.