Record-breaking Van Persie worth applauding, says Bruma

The centre-back hailed his compatriot's international milestone and is confident about consolidating his starting spot for Netherlands

Netherlands defender Jeffrey Bruma believes Robin van Persie deserves all the recognition he is receiving after being crowned his country's all-time top scorer on Friday.

The Manchester United striker notched a magnificent hat-trick in the Oranje's 8-1 rout of Hungary to take his tally to 41 goals in 80 games and surpass Patrick Kluivert's previous record of 40.

And after the forward had been subbed off on 61 minutes to a standing ovation from the Amsterdam ArenA, Bruma joined in with showering his international colleague with praise.

"Something is obviously worth a round of applause, so we just stood there and clapped in front of him," the PSV man told De Telegraaf.

"Our goal was to win and Van Persie also had a personal goal. He seized his opportunity with both hands."

Coach Louis van Gaal opted to start Bruma in the World Cup qualifying match and the 21-year-old feels it is just reward for his fine start to the new campaign.

"I work hard and then it feels like a reward," he concluded. "It is a sign I am on the right track.

"I felt super sharp and full of concentration [versus Hungary], but it was also a game I could fully enjoy on the field."

The former Chelsea stopper has impressed for PSV since completing his €3 million move to the Eredivisie giants in June.