Martyn Rooney says he has done as much as he can to book his place at Rio 2016 after retaining his European men’s 400m title in Holland.

The 29-year-old Croydon Harrier never looked like losing his crown on Friday, and his early dominance proved to be the key factor to his 45.29 seconds triumph.

One of his major rivals, Czech Republic’s Pavel Maslak, followed in 45.36secs, while Dutch home favourite Liemarvin Bonevacia finished third in 45.41secs, and Belgium Kevin Borlèe clocked 45.00secs for fourth.

Rooney, a Crystal Palace fanatic, became the first Brit since Roger Black, who won in 1986 and 1990, to successfully defend the men’s European 400m title, and he proved a point to the GB Olympic team selectors.

He failed to secure an automatic Olympics spot at last month’s British Championships after finishing behind already Rio-bound Matthew Hudson Smith and Rabah Yousif.

“It’s the first time I’ve had the chance to defend a title so I am very proud to have won,” Rooney said.

“To win was as much as I could do, and hopefully I will get the nod. I’m sure I have done enough.

“I am double European champion. It would be very interesting not to get picked.”

He added: “When it comes to championships this is where I peak and seem to do well.

“Last time I won I was relieved, this time I’m elated.”

Meanwhile, fellow Croydon residents James Ellington and James Dasaolu, who are already booked on the plane to Brazil, both ended their European Championship campaigns on a high with gold in the 4x100m sprint relay.

Dasaolu opened the race, and Ellington ran the third leg before anchor CJ Ujah surged Team GB to the finishing line first in 38.17secs, beating France by 0.21 of a second.

“The main thing today was all about safety,” said Ellington. “I knew we had the fire power to get the job done.

“We are a bit disappointed that we didn’t run faster, but we did the job and got the gold medal.”