BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has paid tribute to the ‘phenomenal’ goalscoring record of Jordan Rhodes after the prolific striker was named in the Football League Team of the Decade at The Football League Awards 2015.

The all-star line-up, announced to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the awards, was revealed at Sunday’s gala ceremony in London.

Bowyer said: “His record speaks for itself – it’s a phenomenal amount of goals he’s scored and long may they continue. I’m glad he’s been recognised by the Football League.”

Rhodes has scored 71 goals, including 18 this season, in 140 appearances for Rovers since his club record £8m move from Huddersfield Town in August 2012.

The Scotland international, who netted 87 goals in 148 games for Huddersfield, said: “It’s a real honour and thanks have to go to my team-mates.  They’re the ones who’ve made the chances for me, so credit to them.”

Rhodes is the only player in the Team of the Decade, which also includes Real Madrid’s £85m world record signing Gareth Bale, who has yet to play in the Premier League.

The team in full is: Kasper Schmeichel, Angel Rangel, Gareth Bale, Wes Morgan, Ashley Williams, Wes Hoolahan, Adam Lallana, Peter Whittingham, Glenn Murray, Rickie Lambert, Jordan Rhodes.

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, meanwhile, lost out to Derby County in the Johnstone’s Paint Community Club of the Year category, but only after being named as the North West winners.