Wales striker Robert Earnshaw retires from international football

Rob Earnshaw scored a hat-trick for Wales against Scotland in 2004

Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has announced his retirement from international football.

The 33-year-old forward won 58 caps and scored 16 goals for Wales, including the winner on his debut in a 1-0 against Germany in 2002.

Earnshaw, who has just signed a one-year deal for Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps who play in the MLS.

His last cap was as an 88th minute substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Bosnia and Hercegovina in August 2012.

"I feel it's time and the right time," said Earnshaw.

The former Cardiff City and West Brom attacker has scored hat-tricks at international level, all four tiers of English football and in the FA and League Cups.

Earnshaw is Wales' sixth all time top-scorer, equal with Mark Hughes and Cliff Jones.

Hughes gave Earnshaw his debut for Wales and it is a day the striker says he will never forget.

"The one highlight that always jumps out for me is scoring the winner against Germany on my debut, that was amazing," said Earnshaw.

"That was when I first got the taste of playing in that shirt."