Jackson made his debut for Canada against Cyprus in May

Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson has been called into the Canada squad for their international friendlies against Macedonia and Poland.

The 22-year-old, who has scored 11 goals this season, will now miss the Gills' League One game with Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

Jackson was born in Jamaica, but lived in Canada until he was 15.

The former Rushden striker scored on his Canada debut against Cyprus in May and has won six caps in total.

Gills manager Mark Stimson's options for replacing Jackson for the visit of the Latics have been boosted by Mark McCammon's return from injury.

McCammon came off the bench to play the final 20 minutes of Gillingham's 3-0 FA Cup win over Southend on Saturday.

Suspended right-back Barry Fuller will also miss the game with Oldham, with Stimson hinting that Chris Palmer, who played at left-back in the win over Southend, could deputise for the Gills captain.

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "For a full-back to be involved in a couple of goals is a massive bonus.

"Their right winger only put one cross in and had to go to the other wing.

"He [Palmer] can play right-back, Jack Payne can play at right-back and Stuart Lewis has filled in there before, so we have got options.

"We will have to work on it during the week and decide who will give it their best shot."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version