Retired Sheff Utd legend Sharp signs for Rushden

The 40-year-old striker comes out of retirement to join Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds for their FA Cup first round proper tie against Burton Albion on Saturday.

Billy Sharp has come out of retirement to join AFC Rushden & Diamonds, the Northern Premier League side where he previously played on loan from Sheffield United in 2005. The 40-year-old, who retired last month following the conclusion of his contract with Doncaster Rovers, returns to help Rushden & Diamonds prepare for their FA Cup first round proper match against Burton Albion on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Sharp's return comes as cover following the suspension of Diamonds midfielder James Clifton. Should he feature against Burton, it will mark his 814th professional appearance. The striker scored nine goals in 16 appearances during his initial loan spell at Rushden in 2005, and went on to score 290 more goals at senior level before retiring this summer after playing 45 matches for Doncaster Rovers last season.