Monday 13 August - as it happened

Good morning and welcome to Sportsday. As the dust settles on what has been a fantastic Olympics, we are looking for your reaction and favourite moments from London 2012 and also how you think we can ensure we benefit from the legacy of the Games.

We will also keep you up to date with all the latest breaking sports news but first we look at the top three stories from the BBC Sport Gossip Column.

Wigan are finalising a loan deal with Arsenal for Ryo Miyaichi (Daily Mail). Roberto Mancini is likely to step up his efforts to sign Liverpool defender Daniel Agger this week (Daily Mirror). Kolo Toure has been involved in an angry bust-up with Mancini (Daily Mirror).

BBC Sport's Ollie Williams brings us a breakdown of Team GB's performance at London 2012. Who hit their targets, who performed better than expected and who did not quite make the level they were aiming for?

As London brought the curtain down on the Olympics, Rory McIlroy claimed his second major title with victory in the US PGA Championship.

It's the morning after the night before and across the front of today's newspapers there's a sense of joy and pride at how London 2012 turned out.

"Goldbye!" writes the Daily Mirror, the front of The Sun proclaims: "Dream GB" while the Daily Star goes for the patriotic: "Best of British".

The Daily Express exclaims: "Didn't we do well!", while the Daily Mail focuses on Sunday's closing ceremony with: "What a finale!"

The Independent remarks rather sorrowfully: "That's all, folks." That's echoed in the Daily Telegraph with "Thanks, it's been a blast," and the Guardian's "Goodbye to the glorious Games".

Perhaps the most tantalising title is on the front of The Times, which looks four years into the future with: "The road to Rio."

Manchester City completed the shock signing of Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell last night as the Premier League champions made their first move in this summer's transfer window.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has warned London's Olympic Stadium could become a "white elephant" if his side are not allowed to relocate there.

Former Olympic gold medallist and world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis speaking on BBC Radio 5 live about Great Britain's boxing gold medal winners Nicola Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua: "It all changes now for them because they are in high demand from promoters and managers. There's no rush to make a decision, take your time."

Great Britain's chef de mission Andy Hunt on finishing third in the medal table: "I have absolutely no doubt that we will carry that torch as one of the greatest sporting nations to Rio. But there is still opportunity to improve.

"We have to make sure we deliver across all sports. There are definitely more opportunities in the swimming pool and team sports. One bronze medal in the women's hockey - there are definitely opportunities there."

The newspapers are sorrowful yet delighted with how the Greatest Party on the Planet panned out, and there's universal praise for London 2012:

"Take a bow, everyone," says The Guardian in its editorial. "The London 2012 Games went better, far better, than most people ever dared to hope."

The Times disagrees that there were doubts about London's preparations: "These Games have been almost dreamlike in their seamlessness and drama… No-one is as surprised as the hosts that this fraught and complex festival of striving should have gone so well."

"London delivered what it promised, and more besides," the Daily Telegraph extols. "It is impossible to praise Sebastian Coe and his team too highly… Not only were the Games brilliantly organised and proved to be a wonderful advertisement for the glories of this country and its capital city, the enthusiasm of the British public has been magnificent."

Great Britain's chef de mission Andy Hunt on whether GB will be sending football teams to the 2016 Olympics tells BBC Radio 5 live: "Good question. Certainly for women's football, I would absolutely love them to go on. That would be fantastic. As for the men's team, there are discussions taking place between myself and the Football Association in the next few months."

More from today's newspaper editorials on the sadness that London 2012 has come to an end but also rejoicing in its success.

The Daily Express cannot disagree with that, and goes as far as to declare: "Britain is as great a nation as she has ever been… It is almost impossible to believe that even a few short weeks ago there were still mutterings about being unprepared. Britain has showcased herself in all her glory to the world."

"Today there is a bubbling sense of excitement," insists the Daily Mirror. "A feeling that something magical is happening in Britain. We hope that the Games have truly united us as a multicultural country at ease with itself."

"It ended as it began: a celebration of Britain at its best," concludes The Sun. "This has been the greatest fortnight in many people's lives. Can it really be over? If you're feeling sad today, so are we."

Great Britain's boxing super-heavyweight gold medallist Anthony Joshua speaking on BBC One Breakfast on his future plans: "I know there's the World Championships next year. I need to rest my body first because it is in pain. I'd like to become world amateur champion before I go professional."

As we've asked you for your favourite Olympic moments, here are the highlights for our BBC Sport pundits.

Fred Evans, who won silver for Great Britain's boxers in the welterweight division, on his defeat in the final by former world champion Serik Sapiyev: "I was meant to start a bit sharper. He got ahead with a few points and the fight went into his gameplan. It's definitely not a shame because he is a top fighter."

Some believe this was one of the greatest Olympic Games of all time. BBC Sport's Tom Fordyce writes a final wrap-up to what was certainly an eventful 16 days.

Rory McIlroy on winning his second major at the US PGA Championship: "I was a little frustrated with how I was playing earlier on in the year but a few people in this [media] room were probably pressing panic buttons for no reason.

"I don't think I could have answered it in any better way. It took me all of four weeks to get my game back in shape and get out of my mini slump - and this is the result."

Three-time Olympic javelin medallist and BBC Sport pundit Steve Backley on his best moment of London 2012: "Greg Rutherford's long jump gold. I know what he's been through and he's a lovely guy.

"Six years ago he was second in the European Championships in Gothenberg and I saw something in him then, I realised he could compete. He only needed to stay in shape and get it right once and to do it on home soil was extra special."

BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher assesses whether it was worth GB entering a football team in the men's and women's competitions at London 2012.

BBC Sport cycling reporter Jill Douglas on her favourite London 2012 moment: "It was a real thrill to "hide" Sir Steve Redgrave in our mixed zone interview position and reveal him to Sir Chris Hoy after he had collected his medal. I said to Chris there's someone here who wants to know what it's like a win a sixth gold medal...."

Five-time Olympic gold medallist and BBC rowing analyst Sir Steve Redgrave on his favourite London 2012 moment: "My most special moment of the Games was seeing Katherine Grainger win gold. Speaking to people in the build-up to the Games, they all wanted Katherine to win. It's just a great story, she's just such a great person and such an outstanding athlete."

Have you missed something from London 2012? Or do you want to watch one of your favourite moments again? You can do so on the BBC Sport website here.

Alastair Cook is nominated as one of the nine candidates for the LG International Cricket Council player of the year award, for a second successive year. Cook last year won the Test cricketer category, and his England team-mate Jonathan Trott took the overall award, following their exploits in the historic 2010/11 Ashes success.

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will not face any suspension despite his red card in yesterday's fiery Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. It was thought Ivanovic would be banned for three matches. However, it now appears the FA changed their rules after an incident during an Amsterdam Tournament in 2006, when Manchester United pair Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were both sent off against Porto and ended up serving three-match bans.

Great Britain's boxers claimed an impressive five medals at London 2012. Nicola Adams, Luke Campbell and Anthony Joshua all took gold, Fred Evans won silver and Anthony Ogogo claimed bronze. BBC Sport's Ben Dirs takes a look at the man behind the success, performance director Rob McCracken.

As Britain basks in the success of London 2012, a view of what people thought around the world of the past 16 days of entertainment.

The London 2012 Olympics closed last night with IOC president Jacques Rogge proclaiming: "These were happy and glorious Games." At the closing ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, Rogge paid tribute to the London 2012 organisers and volunteers, and to the spectators, for their contribution.

Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton will make a quickfire return to international showjumping action later this week. Skelton was part of the British quartet that won Olympic team gold at Greenwich Park seven days ago. Warwickshire-based Skelton will be back on FEI Nations Cup duty next Friday when this season's eight-event series concludes in Dublin.

Katherine Grainger reflects on her gold medal in the double sculls at London 2012 on BBC Radio 5 live following three silvers in her previous three Games: "There was extra joy but I appear to have brought extra tears to the nation. It's wonderful that you can touch people with a story that is now fulfilled.

"It's got the happy ending that we wanted. I was aware people knew my journey but I hadn't any idea of the scale of it."

Jimmy Bullard has left Ipswich Town - his contract has been terminated by mutual consent. "He's a top lad but he wants to play regular first-team football and I can't guarantee him that here," Ipswich boss Paul Jewell said.

Blackburn's global advisor Shebby Singh has apologised for his comments made towards manager Steve Kean and midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. Singh, speaking at an open meeting organised by the Blackburn Rovers Action Group, made some derogatory comments about both boss Kean and long-serving midfielder Pedersen. He also told supporters Kean would be sacked if he lost three games in a row.

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Berne with an ankle injury, the Football Association have confirmed. Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has also been added to the squad.

Scotland manager Craig Levein has called up Blackburn striker David Goodwillie for Wednesday's friendly against Australia at Easter Road. Goodwillie scored in his last appearance for his country - a 3-1 Euro 2012 qualifying defeat to Spain in October.

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup believes striker Danny Graham can be their 20-goals-a-season man. Former Watford forward Graham, who turned 27 on Sunday, arrived at the Liberty Stadium in a club-record move and went on to find the net 12 times as the Swans finished 11th in the top flight.

Laudrup said: "I don't know what Danny's record is, but if he stays fit I would say he can score between 15 and 20 goals in the Premier League."

Former England captain and BBC Sport summariser Faye White shares her favourite moment of London 2012: "To see Wembley packed to the rafters with a record crowd (for a women's match in this country at that time) of 70,584 was amazing to witness, and an occasion that I and many within the women's game have been dreaming of for many years."

Great Britain's women's football team beat their Brazilian counterparts 1-0 in the group stage.

Usain Bolt could participate in Australia's Big Bash League after defending his sprint double at London 2012 according to the man himself.

Bolt, 25, tells Australia's Channel Nine he has been contacted by Shane Warne to join Melbourne Stars in the Twenty20 league, which begins in December.

"He [Warne] contacted me and asked me about if I am serious and if I really want to do it then he can put in a few words that should get it done," says Bolt. "We will see if I get the time off. I will try. Twenty20, I love it. Just the fact that it is so exciting, it's about going hard the whole time, not just about playing shots."

London 2012's time trial champion Bradley Wiggins will return to action for Team Sky at this month's Post Danmark Rundt.

Wiggins will be joined in the team by Mark Cavendish, who suffered Olympic road race disappointment just days after rounding off his own Tour de France with his 23rd stage win.

BBC Radio Manchester understands Bolton have turned down a £4m bid from Swansea for midfielder Mark Davies, whilst Fulham are interested in signing Wanderers striker David Ngog.

Nadzeya Ostapchuk, who won gold at London 2012 for Belarus in the women's shot put event, loses her medal after testing positive for metenolone, which is classified as an anabolic agent under the 2012 Prohibited List.

The International Olympic Committee announces that it has disqualified, withdrawn the medal from, and excluded Ostapchuk.

Great Britain's Samantha Murray speaking on BBC Radio 5 live about her modern pentathlon silver medal: "I was just so happy. I'd delivered. I'd done my job.

"Pentathlon is not an easy sport to win a medal as there are unknown elements - the horse, you never know how fencing will go. I'd imagined this day and prepared to do it. The contentment and satisfaction is great, and also to deliver for the fans who supported me through it all is a relief.

"I'm going to take a break now, go on holiday and maybe do some travelling. I'll be back to pentathlon in the new year because I love my sport. I hope to inspire people to get involved in pentathlon or one of the elements of my sport."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims his squad is in a much better position than it was last summer.

"We are in a much stronger position now because last summer we lost Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, and on top of that we lost Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere [to injury]," says Wenger. "We lost four players at the start of last season and that is not the case this time."

Arsenal have signed Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla this summer, although the future of striker Robin van Persie remains unclear.

Boxer Katie Taylor, Ireland's only gold medal winner at London 2012, speaks about her success and the good reception of women's boxing at the Games on BBC Radio 5 live: "It's incredible really. It has been the most incredible two weeks of my life. It's a lifelong dream to be an Olympic champion. The atmosphere has been unreal at the boxing which has really made it even more special.

"I can't wait to go home and celebrate with everyone, my family and friends. I've heard it's going to be a little crazy so I'm quite nervous.

"It was an historic week for women's boxing. We opened the world's eyes to women's boxing and how great it is. Women's boxing is now here to stay in the Olympic Games."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who is attending a post-Olympic press conference, calls London 2012 "the most extraordinary event we can remember in our lifetimes".

He thanks the Metropolitan Police and all other police officers from up and down the country; the army, the military, the armed forces, the men and women of G4S who worked fantastically hard, the volunteers, Locog ambassadors and Transport for London.

He also says he wishes to thank the people of London themselves for their "patience, kindness and enthusiasm".

Macedonia manager John Toshack is stepping down from the role after refusing to relocate to the country.

A statement from the Football Federation of Macedonia reads: "Macedonia coach John Toshack is not ready to meet the requirements of FFM's chairman Ilco Gjorgjioski and agreed to terminate his contract."

Commentator Richard Simmonds on his favourite moment of London 2012: "The best moment was Ben Ainslie, standing in his boat, arms aloft, as the crowd on the shore belted out 'Land of Hope and Glory'. Ben was the first person to carry the torch in the relay and everyone said he was a dead certainty for gold. If he had won gold easily everyone would have said 'well done' but we expected it. But the build-up turned into pure theatre."

Sebastian Coe, speaking about both London 2012 and the upcoming Paralympic Games: "I'm going to start my bit by thanking the athletes. This Games was for the athletes. I'm happy if people are happy, but I'm delirious if the athletes are happy. We've given them the village that has allowed them to go away and do their best. I believe more world records were broken at this Games than any other.

"The Paralympic Games are coming home. They were invented in this country in 1948. We want to change some of the misconceptions about Paralympics. People will be amazed by the competition. We said before this that these would be a Games for everyone."

Ian Poulter believes his performance at the US PGA Championship - where he tied for third - was vital for his chances of making Europe's Ryder Cup squad.

"This is the last tournament I was going to play for Ryder Cup qualification and I had to play well," says Poulter. "I was just outside the points, now I'm just inside the points. I don't know how that's going to play out obviously with Gleneagles, but hopefully that's good enough to get me an automatic spot."

Next week's event at Gleneagles is the last competition to count towards qualifying, with eight of the 10 places already filled.

Lord Coe on 'Super Saturday': "I think 'Super Saturday' will take some beating. I like glory in the medal table but I'm more relieved that there are those big British moments. I think they are the memories that everyone will remember for some time."

Lord Coe on how being Locog chairman compares to competing: "It ranks alongside what I've done competitively. It's hard to compare the two but it means I have spent my life in the Olympic movement. I've probably had the best job for the last seven years and been prepared for it by being competitively involved."

BBC Sport takes an off-beat look at some of the funny and unusual moments from London 2012, and you can watch those moments on the BBC Sport website.

Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston insists Rangers left back Lee Wallace's international career is still alive, with the player still in manager Craig Levein's plans.

Levein left Wallace out of Scotland's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Australia, revealing Wallace's decision to join Third Division Rangers made it more difficult - despite Rangers' Ian Black being called up to the same squad.

"He said the door was always open for Lee Wallace to get in the squad," Houston said. "He wants to have a look at Danny Fox as well. Lee Wallace is very much part of Craig Levein's plans, trust me."

Former world champion and BBC swimming pundit Karen Pickering shares her favourite moment of London 2012: "My moment of the Games is the moment that Chad Le Clos touched the wall by a tiny, tiny fraction of a second before Michael Phelps [to claim 200m butterfly gold]. It was the legend handing over his butterfly mantle to the 'young pup' of South Africa."

Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson maintains the club's style of football will not change despite a change of manager over the summer.

"The manager has brought his new staff in and it is the same as before - they want us to work hard and get in people's faces," Johnson tells Norwich's official website. "The way we play is not going to change - we are a bunch of hungry lads and we all want to do the best we possibly can."

Commentator Matt Baker reveals his favourite London 2012 moment: "Seeing Beth Tweddle get her Olympic medal was just a dream come true for her. We've followed her for so long and she's done so well on the world stage and done so much for British gymnastics. Four British medals at the Olympics is hard to put into context. It was incredibly exciting and, overall, across the entire competition, it was the best display of gymnastics we've ever seen."

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente will not be signing a new contract with the club, president Josu Urrutia reveals.

Llorente, 27, sees his current contract with Athletic run out in June 2013.

Lee Westwood parts company with coach Pete Cowen, with Westwood's manager Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler citing a difference of opinion for the split.

"Pete was here for two days with Graeme (McDowell) this week when Lee wanted to work with him, so it just wasn't working out," says Chandler. "Lee's the sort who needs someone standing over him, making him hit chip after chip and telling him what he's doing wrong."

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli pulls out of Italy's squad to face England with conjunctivitis, the same illness that caused him to miss City's 3-2 Community Shield victory over Chelsea.

Balotelli will be replaced by Diego Fabbrini of Udinese.

Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi joins Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan.

Miyaichi, 19, spent part of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Lord Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), is to step down from the role once a successor is found later this year.

Moynihan has been in the role since October 2005, and was re-elected in 2008.

Jack Butland has been speaking at a press conference ahead of England's friendly with Italy in Berne on Wednesday.

The goalkeeper was called up to both Roy Hodgson's England squad and Stuart Pearce's Team GB Olympic squad, and has compared the two experiences.

"The Euros was something I've always aimed for, whereas the Olympics wasn't something I thought I could represent in," says Butand. "It was a fantastic experience to train with top players at the Euros. But being a part of Team GB means you're part of so much more, with medals at the end of it. It was another world, but in the end they were just as inspiring as each other."

Butland on gaining experience: "As a goalkeeper experience is a massive thing. There's no better practise than playing games, which thankfully I was able to do at the Olympics. I can't explain how important that's been for confidence and to see where I am with my own ability. I've truly enjoyed every minute of it."

Butland on the possibility of representing England: "[It is what] dreams are made of. Hopefully it will come, but it's due to an injury which is unfortunate for Joe. But if I get a chance it's a dream come true and something I can't stop thinking about.

"If I get the chance then fantastic, but I'm still young and working very hard. If it comes I'll be over the moon."

Butland, 19, on the pressure of his England call-up: "I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself and expect everything - not a lot of goalkeepers get this chance at this stage. It's something I'm very excited for and I'm striving onwards, but I have a long way to go. But the top is where I want to be playing."

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson remains interested in signing Tottenham midfielder David Bentley, but concedes it may be a tough ask.

"I'd love to take Bents [David Bentley], but the chairman says I'm not allowed," says Robinson. "David Bentley is a good friend of mine, he's someone I know well from Blackburn and we have the same agent. It's a deal I'd love to try and make happen but David Bentley has got tremendous quality and I'd be very, very surprised to see him playing outside of the Premier League."

BBC Sport's Gordon Farquhar shares more on the news Lord Moynihan's decision to step down as BOA chairman: "Lord Colin Moynihan has announced he's to stand down as chairman of the British Olympic Association. A full statement is expected shortly.

"It's understood he took the decision before the Games, and is standing down in order to spend more time with his family and concentrate on his business interests. He'll stay in post until elections for his successor are held, probably in November."

More from Jack Butland, 19, who will smash a 124-year-old record if he plays for England against Italy, replacing Billy Moon as England's youngest goalkeeper: "I couldn't help but look that up. I had a little look on Google the other day. If I get a chance then fantastic but I'm still young and I'm still working hard."

Jack Butland on England's forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in three weeks time away to Moldova: "I think we can push on and do very well. It was a tough way to go out [of Euro 2012]. With Roy Hodgson, the aim will be to push on, improve and go even further in the World Cup."

The Rugby Football Union appoints Sir Ian McGeechan and Peter Keen to lead a performance review of the England team.

The pair are brought in as independent consultants and will report to RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie as part of the organisation's drive to "make sure England teams have the foundations necessary for long-term success".

"I'm delighted we've got two outstanding individuals involved and this is a very positive move," says Ritchie.

Butland has left the England press conference and now Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is speaking about his recent Olympic experience for Team GB: "It was fantastic, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a bit different from the normal league games I'm used to. On a personal level it was good for me because I was able to play six games, including friendlies, and I feel confident and fit from it."

Uefa uphold John Terry's appeal against his three-match suspension following his red card in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, with the Chelsea defender now serving an initial ban of two matches with the third held over for a probationary period.

Having already missed the Champions League final, Terry will also miss the club's Uefa Super Cup final against Atletico Madrid.

Tom Cleverley, speaking at the England press conference, on his hopes of winning his first England cap: "Last season was frustrating for me. It always is when you are injured. But I'm not thinking about that now and I'm looking to get my head down and play as much football as possible whether it be for England or Manchester United. I'm hoping to train well and win my first cap. It's an honour to play for your country and I was delighted to be named in the squad."

South Africa's team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee dismisses any texts sent by England batsman Kevin Pietersen to members of the Proteas' squad as "banter."

Over the weekend, Pietersen was dropped from the team for Thursday's third Test having failed to publicly deny sending derogatory messages to South Africa stars Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers.

"Yes, text messages were sent but like we said before it was banter among team-mates, which is perfectly acceptable," said Dr Moosajee.

"Allegations that Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers were the recipients of the texts are unfounded."

Swansea City have a £4m bid for Bolton midfielder Mark Davies rejected by the Lancashire club.

The bid came comes in the wake of Joe Allen joining former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.

Swansea have confirmed their interest in Davies, 24, who was relegated to the Championship along with the Trotters at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle had previously stated Davies, among others, is not for sale.

Liverpool teenager Ryan McLaughlin has received a first call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for the friendly against Finland in Belfast next week.

The 17-year-old defender Glenavon full-back signed a three-year deal with the Premier League giants in 2011 and made his Reds debut in the pre-season friendly against Roma at Fenway Stadium in Boston last month.

David Healy, Grant McCann and Sammy Clingan are not included.

Norwich full-back Marc Tierney says their 2-0 friendly defeat to German side Borussia Moenchengladbach was good preparation for the start of the new Premier League season in five days' time.

"It's all about getting 90 minutes on the pitch," he said. "Now I'm looking forward to a full week's training before that first game."

Cricket South Africa publish a statement clarifying their position over Kevin Pietersen's alleged text messages.

It reads, in part: "There have been untruthful allegations in the media implicating members of our squad in the current issue between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB. We stand by the same stance we have taken since we heard news about the allegations.

"Text messages were sent, but like we said before it was banter amongst team mates, which we feel is perfectly acceptable.

"The ECB has not made a formal approach to myself [Dr Mohammed Moosajee] or any member of the team to see the text messages as is currently being reported in the media."

President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, praises the central role of the voluntary Games Makers at the Olympics.

"We will never forget the smiles, the kindness and the support of the wonderful volunteers, the much-needed heroes of these Games," he said.

"You, the spectators and the public, provided the soundtrack for these Games.

"Your enthusiastic cheers energised its competitors and brought a festive spirit to every Olympic venue."

Lancashire captain Glen Chapple is confident his side will pick up the points they need to avoid relegation from Division One.

And he wants the team to use the experience of winning the title last season to their advantage.

"We've got as much riding on the rest of the season as we had last year," Chapple told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We can take positives from the way we've played lately and it's quite simple what we need to do - just go out there and win some games."

David Platt, Manchester City's assistant manager, warns that striker Carlos Tevez is back to his best after the Argentine's impressive goal and all-round performance in the Community Shield on Sunday.

"Carlos has worked ever so hard in pre-season," Platt said.

"He has really attacked his work and not had one day off.

"His goal was one of those you can remember him doing two years ago. He ducks inside, he goes away from people. That's what he's been missing and it was there again."

Britain's super-heavyweight gold medallist Anthony Joshua reveals he wants to become world amateur champion before turning professional.

"I'd like to become world amateur champion before I go professional," said the 22-year-old London 2012 gold medallist.

"If fame comes I'm going to be OK with it, but I don't want to be hyped up and made out to be something I'm not," he added.

"I look at great amateur champions like Lomachenko and how he just goes out there and gets the job done every time, and that's the kind of attitude I want to have."

Davis Love completes his backroom room team for next month's Ryder Cup, naming Scott Verplank and Jeff Suman as his final two assistant captains.

They join Fred Couples and Mike Hulbert for the match at Medinah in Chicago on 28-30 September.

Europe captain is yet to name any of his four assistants, but Miguel Angel Jimenez, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke are thought to be front-runners.

The Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's friendly against Serbia has been hit by further withdrawals.

Wolves duo Kevin Doyle (bruised leg) and Stephen Ward (knee) have been ruled out through injury.

Stoke's Marc Wilson has been forced to pull out because of a virus while Burnley's Keith Treacy is unavailable because of a groin strain.

Finally, Norwich pair Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington have been unable to accept offers of call-ups because of injury to their Achilles and hamstring respectively.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli discusses Mario Balotelli's unavailability for Wednesday's friendly against England in Berne because of conjunctivitis.

"We were hoping [Balotelli] would recover in time, but it wasn't to be.

"I want to give him a key role in the long term and I expect him to accept responsibility when I do."

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton says the potential new owners of the club are "unprofessional" after being told his transfer budget has been slashed.

Appleton was believed to have been promised a budget of £4m for new player acquisitions in May, but that figure has now changed to around £1.5m.

"It's slightly unprofessional," Appleton said.

"I'm not pleased about it but what can I do about it? I can't do anything about it but get on with it."

England midfielder Tom Cleverly speaking ahead of England v Italy in Switzerland on Wednesday: "I'm hoping to train well and win my first cap. It's always an honour to play for your country and I was delighted to be called up.

"It does feel a little bit like [a breakthrough season]. There's always going to be pressure playing for Manchester Untied and England. It's a big season for me. I'm hopefully going to play as many games as I can and win as much silverware as possible.

"I suppose every season is a big year at Manchester United but maybe there's a little bit extra for me personally."

Charles Green claims debts to Scottish clubs incurred by the company that formerly ran Rangers have been settled.

The Ibrox chief executive told the Rangers website: "As of now, Rangers do not owe other Scottish clubs a penny."

Hearts are due further payment from Lee Wallace's 2011 transfer to Ibrox and Rangers say this will be paid in July.

Yorkshire have signed Sussex wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd on loan until the end of the season, while fellow keeper Gerard Brophy is free to leave.

Hodd, 28, will provide cover for Jonny Bairstow, who has been recalled by England for the third Test against South Africa.

Brophy, 36, has spent the last seven seasons at Headingley.

Brophy said: "I've always given my all for the White Rose and wish the club well in the future."

Fred Evans hints that he would like to remain amateur and compete for the Olympic gold medal that eluded him at London 2012.

The 21-year-old Welsh welterweight took silver after losing 9-17 to Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan in the Olympic final.

But while Evans says he will take some time to decide his future, he admits the lure of Rio 2016 is strong.

"I'm still young - I'm only 21 - so I think in four years' time I'd still be only young then," Evans said.

The International Paralympic Committee hopes London 2012 will be the first sellout in the Games' 52-year history.

With the Games 16 days away, more than 2.1 million of 2.5 million tickets have been sold - 600,000 in the past month.

Athletics events in the Stadium, cycling at the Velodrome and wheelchair tennis have largely sold out.

But organisers are reviewing venues to see where more tickets can be made available for the most popular events.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke has settled his libel case with former Indan Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi out of court. Clark had alleged Modi planned to create a Twenty20 competition in England.

Striker Jordan Rhodes says he does not pay much attention to the transfer rumours linking him with a move away from Huddersfield. He said: "While it's fantastic and very flattering, you don't really take too much notice of it because you don't really think too much of it is true."

The France Football Federation announces Laurent Koscielny has pulled out of the France squad for Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay with a calf injury. The defender was hurt in Arsenal's 4-0 friendly win against Cologne on Sunday.

Rangers will decide whether to offer trialists Frenchman Sebastien Faure and Brazilian Andre Moritz contracts this week. The pair are training with the club.

Veteran BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss hails Rory Mcllroy after his USPGA Championship win. "I love watching him play, he's a tremendous young man and he's got all bags of talent," he tells Press Association Sport.

Surrey's Clydesdale Bank 40 match with Glamorgan on August 21 will mark the official launch of the Tom Maynard Trust. Maynard represented both counties before he died on 18 June after being hit by a London Underground train.