Reading FC striker Lucas Joao has won his first international call-up to represent Angola.
Although Joao has two caps for Portugal’s senior squad which came in 2015, he is eligible to qualify for Angola having not played a competitive match for Portugal.
Joao’s excellent recent form has seen him net five times in the league for the Royals to help them improve their form in the midst of a relegation battle.
He was also given an individual accolade for his efforts as he was awarded the EFL Player of the Month award for February.
The 28-year-old forward was born in Lisbon but has Angolan heritage and his impressive form since a return from injury has seen him recognised on the international stage.
He joins the Angolan team in a training camp that will see them play two friendly fixtures in Portugal up against Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
He may face fellow club teammate Mamadi Camara, who also received his first ever call-up for the Guinea-Bissau squad.
The 18-year-old midfielder has appeared nine times for Reading’s senior team this campaign, six of those coming in the Championship.
Other Royals on international duty include Junior Hoilett for Canada, Andy Yiadom for Ghana, Luke Southwood for Northern Ireland and Orjan Nyland for Norway.
