Davies calls time on 22-year career

FOOTBALL: Ex-Bolton and Southampton striker Kevin Davies called time on his playing career yesteday.

He said on Twitter: “It’s been emotional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way #22seasons.”

Black Cats’ Lens makes Dutch squad

FOOTBALL: Sunderland midfielder Jeremain Lens has been called into the Holland squad for tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Turkey, the club have announced.

The 27-year-old, a £9 million summer signing from Dynamo Kiev, has been drafted in in the wake of Thursday night’s 1-0 Group A defeat by Iceland.

Lens, who has 30 senior caps, has made four appearances for the Black Cats.

Carter sure of Lotus’s future

FORMULA ONE: Lotus boss Matthew Carter yesterday insisted that the cash-strapped outfit will survive the remainder of the Formula One season.

He said: “We have more than one option going forward to secure the future of the team and as far as the rest of the races this season we have a budget in place, we will operate to that budget and we will be at all of the races.

“I am hopeful that will secure our future going forward.”

Rankin punished for showing dissent

CRICKET: England Test bowler Boyd Rankin was reprimanded yesterday for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.

Rankin was reported by umpires Steve Gale and Steve O’Shaugnessy over his conduct in the County Championship match between Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge last month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s discipline commission has subsequently ruled that Rankin be reprimanded for the Level 1 offence.