Stewart (right) has been one of Fletcher's senior players since 1999

Stewart, who made his Test debut in 1990, announced in July that he would not play past the end of the summer.

England's most-capped player will bid farewell at his home ground The Oval in the fifth Test against South Africa, which begins on Thursday.

"I really believe he is one of our few world-class players. He's kept wicket magnificently and I think he's got better and better," said Fletcher.

"Over the last two or three years his batting has improved and the thing that has impressed me most of all is his professionalism as a role model to the younger guys off and on the field," he added.

"It's always nice to get out at the top, but there's nothing worse than when a guy leaves the game bitter and that normally happens when you've left your decision too late."

David Graveney, who has consistently chosen Stewart at both Test and one-day international level throughout his time as chairman of selectors, identified the 40-year-old as England's leading all-rounder

"He has played a big part in balancing the side over all these years and he continues to be an outstanding all-round cricketer for England," said Graveney.

"He has set the standards in terms of fitness and he is 40 going on 30 even now. He doesn't give anything to chance and is hugely professional in his preparation and in the manner he plays the game."

Alec's batting has stood him in good stead over the years and he is still very competent Bob Taylor Former England wicket-keeper Read more

Mark Butcher, Stewart's former brother-in-law, said no other wicket-keeper in England could match his England and Surrey team-mate's batting record.

"If there has been any surrender to the ageing process it has not been anywhere near enough to cost him his place," he added.

"Where he continues to stand out, though, is through his batting which none of the pretenders to his throne can yet match.

"He keeps on churning the runs out and there's no one in the country to touch him in that regard."

And county coach Keith Medlycott described his former team-mate as "the Alan Shearer of cricket".

Stewart stands out as a shining example of what it should mean to represent your country! From Humble Opinion Have your say on TMS

"He's as good a professional as can be. The way he trains is impeccable, the way he prepares is impeccable and the way he plays is impeccable," the former spinner explained.

"People have gone on about the next Ian Botham ever since he retired, but they forget we have had Alec Stewart.

"A lot of people have been wanting him out of the England set-up for a while now, but we won't appreciate him fully until we realise what we are missing."