Joel Piroe named by Suriname with Jay-Roy Grot for World Cup deciders | OneFootball

Joel Piroe has been called up by Suriname for World Cup deciders this month, putting the Leeds United striker in line for a debut. Former Elland Road forward Jay-Roy Grot is also included.

According to yorkshireevenpost.co.uk, Piroe switched allegiance earlier this year after representing the Netherlands at youth level, and qualifies for Suriname through his father. He had not featured internationally since under-20 level.

Suriname are two wins from a first World Cup, with Henk ten Cate’s 26-man group facing Bolivia in Guadalupe on Thursday, March 26. Victory would set up a qualifying decider against Iraq the following week.

In January, Piroe said he had thought carefully about choosing Suriname, noting his father’s pride and his desire to write history with the nation. He spoke of regular visits, a strong bond with the culture and excitement for the crucial games, starting with Bolivia, and of the squad’s belief.

He recently scored his first goal of the season in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City. After Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford he is due to link up with Ten Cate’s squad, with former Leeds striker Hasselbaink among the assistants.

Grot, 28, also came through the Netherlands youth ranks before switching last year and debuting for Suriname. Signed by Leeds from NEC Nijmegen in 2017 at 19, he scored one goal in 23 appearances in 2017/18, had loan spells, then left for VfL Osnabruck in February 2021. Now with Odense Boldklub, he has two goals in 11 games this season and could partner Piroe later this month.

Source: yorkshireevenpost.co.uk