Football news  

Johnson ruled out for at least a month

Liverpool confirm that England defender will miss next four weeks after he sustained a tear of the medial ligament in his right knee

• Liverpool progress threatened by Johnson injury

• Torres leaves Villa out in the cold

Bolton fans get Megson the sack

Number of managers dismissed this year reaches 53 as Wanderers' board grant supporters their wish following Hull City draw

• Megson: to sack or not to sack...

• Megson hounded by fans after Hull escape

Ruthless United close gap on Chelsea

Man Utd 5 Wigan 0: visitors come bearing birthday gifts for Sir Alex Ferguson, who sees his side move within two points of leaders

• Ferguson concerned over O'Shea absence

• Van der Sar on leave after wife collapses

Pavlyuchenko moves nearer to Tottenham exit

The Russia striker reportedly says Harry Redknapp is 'mocking' him by leaving him out of the starting line-up

• Redknapp refuses to set targets too high

• Gomes keeps rampant Fulham at bay

Cricket news  

Strauss hails spinner after victory

Captain quick to acknowledge Graeme Swann’s contribution after bowler wins second successive man-of-the-match award

Hawk-Eye analysis of South Africa v England

England wrapped up victory in the second Test in only 75 minutes this morning. Read our full coverage and analysis

The Edge: Swann and Broad make fine couple

Simon Wilde on England's potent bowling duo, a lack of no-balls in South Africa and Nathan Hauritz's special moment

Decade of change that put game to test

The Times Chief Cricket Correspondent identifies the ten most significant moments for cricket in the "noughties"

Rugby news  

McGeechan's award hugely deserved

It is hard to exaggerate the pleasure that the Lions coach's knighthood will give followers not just of rugby but of sport

Wasps to lose Simpson for four weeks

Young scrum half to miss run-up to the RBS Six Nations Championship after dislocating left shoulder against Harlequins

Hamilton to add weight to Edinburgh lineout

Scotland lock returns to action hoping to stake a claim for a place in national squad for RBS Six Nations Championship

Flutey return is good news for England

Back ready to take his first step onto the playing surface in four months during Brive's clash with Clermont Auvergne

More sport  

Wade 'ages five years in victory'

Darts: The No 3 seed came within one dart of being dumped out of the PDC World Championship by Andy Hamilton at Alexandra Palace

Stompe gets fired up for victory

Darts: "Matchstick" beats Mark Dudbridge to reach last eight of Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship and face Mark Webster

Visa dispute leaves LTA with another post to fill

Ann Quinn has departed at the end of a year in which she spent four months locked out of the country by a visa dispute

Murdoch determined to end years of frustration

Great Britain curler is still haunted by his loss to Markku Uusipaavalniemi at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin

Racing and Betting News  

Nicholls can make fast start

Rob Wright says Chapoturgeon can reverse recent course form with Razor Royale in the featured victorchandler.com Chase at Cheltenham

Carberry in full flow on banks of the Severn

Daring National Hunt jockey finds another vehicle to showcase his riding talents, Julian Muscat discovers

Performance of Kauto Star simply the best

If King George form is repeated at Cheltenham then even his hugely talented stablemate Denman can't beat him

Ferguson uses transfer system

Sir Alex's growing appetite for jumps racing prompts switch of codes for formerly useful Flat performer Broomielaw