Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has received his first senior international call-up after being named in Suriname’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off later this month.
The 25-year-old, who switched his international allegiance in January, qualifies to represent the Caribbean nation through his father, having previously been eligible for the Netherlands.
Suriname, led by head coach Henk Ten Cate, are aiming to reach the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. Their backroom team boasts a wealth of experience, including former Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, alongside Winston Bogarde, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert.
Piroe could make his debut when Suriname face Bolivia in Monterrey on 26 March in an inter-confederation play-off semi-final. Victory would see Ten Cate’s side progress to face Iraq five days later, with a place at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
The Leeds forward arrives on international duty having made 17 appearances for Leeds United so far this season and was recently on target in a 3-0 victory over Norwich City in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup at Elland Road.
Piroe was instrumental in Leeds United’s promotion-winning campaign last term, finishing as the Championship’s Golden Boot winner with 19 goals as Daniel Farke’s side secured the title.
Suriname Squad
Warner Hahn (Hammarby IF), Etienne Vaessen (FC Groningen), Jahnilo Wiegel (KFC Houtvenne), Myenty Abena (Gaziantep FK), Djavan Anderson (Al-Ittifaq FC), Radinio Balker (Huddersfield Town), Stefano Denswil (Kayserispor), Djevencio van der Kust (Heracles Almelo), Anfernee Dijksteel (Kocaelispor), Liam van Gelderen (RKC Waalwijk), Ridgeciano Haps (Venezia FC), Yannick Leliendal (FC Volendam), Dion Malone (SC Telstar), Shaquille Pinas (Al-Kholood Club), Jean-Paul Boëtius (RKC Waalwijk), Melayro Bogarde (LASK), Tjaronn Chery (NEC Nijmegen), Denzel Jubitana (Atromitos Athens), Kenneth Paal (Antalyaspor), Immanuel Pherai (SV Elversberg), Sheraldo Becker (1. FSV Mainz 05), Jay-Roy Grot (Odense Boldklub), Gyrano Kerk (Royal Antwerp FC), Richonell Margaret (Go Ahead Eagles), Joël Piroe (Leeds United), Gleofilo Vlijter (Újpest FC)
