SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has labelled Wayne Rooney one of England’s all-time greats after the striker announced his retirement from international football.

Rooney netted a record 53 goals in 119 appearances for his country.

And Brown feels Rooney deserves the utmost respect for his achievements.

“I think what Wayne has done and continues to do is fantastic and I think he deserves to be regarded as one of England’s all-time greats,” said Brown.

“He’s scored more goals than anyone else ever has done and he’s played more games than any other outfield player, which takes quite some doing.

“Bizarrely he probably won’t get all the plaudits he warrants for another 20 or 30 years when people look back but in my eyes he’s been first class.

“He first scored when he was 17 and since then he’s gone on to score some very important goals in some very important matches.”

Rooney returned to Everton from Manchester United in the summer and has netted in the opening two Premier League fixtures of the season.

But Brown believes the striker has retired at the right time.

“I think Wayne has earned the right to do what he feels is right but I think he’s probably retired before someone retired him,” said the Blues boss.

“I think he could see the writing was on the wall with the young players coming through and has decided to retire.”

Rooney will now focus on his club career and Brown expects him to keep on hitting the headlines after netting the 200th Premier League goal of his career.

“I’m sure Wayne will keep doing well but for him to have 200 Premier League goals is fantastic,” said Brown.

“Alan Shearer led the line for all his goals but Wayne often drops deep and is very unselfish for the team.”