AFC Bournemouth star Andrew Surman has stated his belief that Everton attacker Wayne Rooney has been harshly treated by the fans and the media in England.

Speaking ahead of Bournemouth's clash against Everton this weekend, Surman told the Daily Echo: "He is a top player.

"He has had a lot of critics but, when you look at his record, I don't see how anyone can really criticise him. Everyone has good and below-par performances but his record throughout his career speaks for itself.

"In my opinion, he is one of the best English players to have ever played the game and he is still doing it so you have to respect him a lot for that."