Joel Piroe named in Suriname squad alongside Jay-Roy Grot for World Cup deciders | OneFootball

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has been named in Suriname’s squad for this month’s pivotal internationals, putting him on course for a debut.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the 26-year-old, who switched allegiance earlier this year after representing the Netherlands at youth level, has received his first senior call-up. He qualifies through his father and had not played international football since Under-20 level.

Henk ten Cate’s side face Bolivia in Guadalupe on Thursday, 26 March, and victory would set up a qualifying decider against Iraq the following week. Two wins would deliver a first ever World Cup place for Suriname.

In January Piroe said he had carefully weighed the decision with his father, felt proud of his Surinamese roots and wanted to help write history with the team. He spoke of regular visits, the country’s joyful culture and the squad’s excitement and belief ahead of these games, starting with Bolivia.

He will link up after Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, having recently scored his first goal of the season in the 3-0 FA Cup win at Norwich City.

Former Leeds forward Jay-Roy Grot is also in the 26, having joined from NEC Nijmegen in 2017, scored once in 23 appearances in 2017/18, then left for VfL Osnabruck in February 2021.

Now at Odense Boldklub, he has two goals in 11 games this season and could partner Piroe. Piroe will also work with Hasselbaink, one of Ten Cate’s assistants and a former Leeds striker.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk