MANCHESTER - Wayne Rooney says Tottenham striker Harry Kane is closest to breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League goalscoring record of 260 goals.

The England captain has not played for club or country so far this season, following his bid to leave Spurs in the summer. Rooney considers criticism of Kane unfair and believes the 28-year-old can come close to Shearer's record.

The Derby manager told Sky Sports: "I personally think it [the criticism of Kane] is an overreaction if I'm honest.

"This is the first game in a while he hasn't scored for England and for Tottenham he's still scored a few goals this season despite not being in the Premier League," Rooney said.

"He's one of the best strikers in the world and when you don't score people have their own opinion, which of course they deserve, but Harry is a pretty good player and big enough guy to get through this period."

"It's been a bit of a difficult period for him that he probably hasn't been through [before]. All the strikers face it and Tottenham themselves are not at their best, so it depends on the team."

On Shearer's record-breaking Kane which currently has 166 goals, Rooney added: "I think once Harry gets his first Premier League goal he will be back scoring regularly."

"I think as a striker you're expected to score goals but I think Harry has changed his game a bit in recent years and he's come a little deeper," he said.

"He's created a few goals over the last few years too, but in the end people will see [when you don't score]," Rooney added.

"I don't think there's a problem with Kane, he's a top striker. He will probably be the closest person to Alan Shearer's record in the Premier League. He is going through a difficult time but there is no doubt in my mind that he will get through it."