Nicholson in recent Twenty20 action for New South Wales Blues

Surrey have retained the services of Australian paceman Matt Nicholson for part, or maybe all, of the 2008 season.

Nicholson, who took 44 wickets in 12 Championship matches last season, will act as cover with uncertainty over the participation of paceman Mohammad Asif.

Asif has recently had elbow surgery, but is due to play in the Indian Premier League in April and May, then for Pakistan in the Asia Cup in June.

Surrey boss Alan Butcher said: "Asif says he's still keen to play for us."

Not only would Asif not be available to Surrey until the end of June at the earliest, Pakistan officials have also expressed concern about his workload.

"The Pakistan board have said they are not going to allow their quick bowlers to play county cricket, which is understandable as most of their first-choice bowlers are on the sidelines at the moment," Butcher admitted.

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"So while we have a contract, it must be said it's far from certain that he'll be able to take up that contract."

The Surrey coach was delighted to have Nicholson back in the ranks next season, however.

The 33-year-old seamer, who has also played county cricket for Northants, appeared in one Test match, against England at the MCG in December 1998, when he took 1-59 and 3-56.

"At the end of last season Matt made it very plain that he'd be delighted to come back and play for us, and I know that everyone in the dressing room is really delighted he will be with us for at least the first part of the season," Butcher said.

"I would have no qualms at all if it turned into a full season's contract.

Asif is bidding to regain full fitness after elbow surgery

"He is prepared to be flexible should we want to bring someone else in for say the Twenty20, he's happy to do whatever is best for the club, which sums up what the guy is like."

Meanwhile Surrey are also hopeful that West Indian left-arm seamer Pedro Collins will play for the county in 2008, having signed him as a Kolpak player.

The 31-year-old Barbadian has played 32 Tests but has not featured since July 2006, and played the last of his 30 one-day internationals in May 2005.

"I spoke to him last week and he is pretty confused by the situation," Butcher revealed.

"He tells me everyone keeps saying he is their best bowler yet he doesn't get picked.

"He was talking about coming over in early April but I can't say with 100% assurance because if the selectors want him I wouldn't blame him at all if he decided to play for the West Indies.

"But I spoke to him and he sounded very keen to come and join us and was really looking forward to playing at The Oval."