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Could Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira head to African Cup of Nations with Guinea-Bissau?

Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira celebrates after the match (REUTERS)
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The 18-year-old midfielder was born in the West African country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxSr9J2mTRw

Leeds United picked up an impressive 3-2 win against Norwich City in the Championship yesterday afternoon. The result took Leeds into the play-off places and came courtesy of a last-minute strike from Ronaldo Vieira.

The 18-year-old has proven himself a real talent at Leeds since his emergence as a regular first-team player and is set to be a fine asset for the Yorkshire club as the season progresses.

But there is one potential concern regarding Vieira which must be looming large.

Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira celebrates after the matchLeeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira celebrates after the match

Could the teenager be heading to the African Cup of Nations?

It is important to note that, as of now, there is no official word that Vieira could be about to head to Gabon with his nation, Guinea-Bissau.

The midfielder, who moved to Portugal as a boy and then England in 2011, was born in the west African nation.

Leeds' Ronaldo Vieira celebrates scoring their third goal with Kalvin Phillips and Chris WoodLeeds’ Ronaldo Vieira celebrates scoring their third goal with Kalvin Phillips and Chris Wood

He has not represented any country at youth level and you can be sure that Guinea-Bissau will be keeping tabs on his situation.

Les Djurtus, or the Wild Dogs, have qualified for their first ever African Cup of Nations in the winter and will want to take their strongest team to the competition.

Leeds' Ronaldo Vieira celebrates scoring their third goal with Luke AylingLeeds’ Ronaldo Vieira celebrates scoring their third goal with Luke Ayling

The current squad is hardly made up of household names, with most players in the current squad journeyman footballers from the Portuguese game.

Vieira, with his Championship experience and clear pedigree, would be a vital addition for Baciro Cande’s side.

Leeds fans would of course love it if Vieira got the chance to play international football, but they will have visions of him playing for Portugal in the distant future – not in Gabon this season.