Former Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has launched an appeal against his six-year jail sentence for sexual activity with a child.

The former England international was sentenced to six years in prison for grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old Saints supporter.

Johnson was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court last week, where a court official told reporters: "He has lodged an appeal against conviction."

The case will now come before a higher court in London where the merits of Johnson's appeal will be assessed.