Joel Piroe named by Suriname for World Cup deciders alongside ex-Leeds forward Jay-Roy Grot | OneFootball

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has been named in Suriname’s 26-man squad for this month’s qualifiers, according to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, and could make his debut as they chase a first World Cup.

The forward switched allegiance earlier this year after representing the Netherlands up to Under-20 level, and is eligible for Suriname through his father. This is his first senior call-up.

Suriname are two wins from qualification, facing Bolivia in Guadalupe on Thursday, 26 March, with victory setting up a decider against Iraq the following week.

In January Piroe said he had weighed the decision carefully, that playing for Suriname would make his father proud, and that he wants to help write history. He spoke of regular visits, family roots and a joyful culture, and of excitement for the qualifiers starting with Bolivia.

He is due to link up after Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, having recently scored his first goal of the season in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City. Henk ten Cate leads Suriname, with former Leeds striker Hasselbaink among his assistants.

Former Leeds forward Jay-Roy Grot is also included. The 28-year-old joined from NEC Nijmegen in 2017, scored one goal in 23 appearances in 2017/18, then left for VfL Osnabruck in February 2021. Now with Odense Boldklub, he has two goals in 11 this season and could partner Piroe.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk