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Leicester Tigers v Bath: Jordan Crane says Tigers must use their emotions to help pay back rivals

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Jordan Crane believes Leicester Tigers must bottle up the emotions from the 45-0 collapse at Bath to use to their advantage when
they take on the Aviva Premiership high-flyers at Welford Road on Sunday.

The whitewash pummelling Tigers received at the Rec in September was their heaviest defeat in the Premiership, and Crane knows Tigers must exact revenge in front of a sell-out home crowd.

The two clubs have a long history, but it has been some time since Bath were favourites heading into a clash at Welford Road.

They are second in the table, have won their last seven matches in all competitions and are now unbeaten in any of their last five outings against Tigers.

Crane knows the task his side face, but is keen for some payback.

"(The 45-0 defeat) left a very bad taste in our mouths," he said. "We went there, didn't perform and paid the price for that.

"We are going to want to get some revenge, but in our heads it's just another league game that we need to win.

"That's got to be our mentality, but we need to bottle a bit of how we felt after the game there and use that to our advantage on Sunday.

"They'll be pretty confident. Hopefully they'll take it for granted, but I don't think they will coming to Welford Road.

"They're showing signs of a really good side, but I think we need the points more than them, so we need to be hungrier and ready for the battle.

"It's a massive occasion. The history of the fixture and everything else will be pumped into them, the same as us.

"They'll definitely be up for this game, and it's up to us go out, perform and get the result."

Tigers head into the clash on the back of a fine bonus-point comeback win at Sale, where they showed improvements with ball in hand, an area in which they have been uninspiring this season.

But Tigers were also less solid in defence at the AJ Bell Stadium, conceding four tries, and with Bath in town, progress is needed.

Tigers will need to deal with the threats of Kyle Eastmond and Sam Burgess in the midfield, plus the pace and guile of back three Matt Banahan, Horacio Agulla and Anthony Watson.

Crane wants Tigers to keep up their attacking flair, but admits they will need to be wary of the dangers Bath pose.

The 28-year-old said: "Sale was the best we've attacked in terms of keeping ball in hand. Every time we had the ball we looked dangerous.

"It's finding that balance, but I think you can be attack-minded and still be a good defensive team.

"Bath have got big threats, it's probably the best Bath team I've played against.

"It's not just because of the players they've got, it's the way that they're getting those players to play.

"It's going to be a massive challenge, but we're up to it."

Leicester Tigers v Bath: Jordan Crane says Tigers must use their emotions to help pay back rivals


Leicester City will really miss in-form Jeff Schlupp during Africa Cup of Nations

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Leicester City are going to really miss Jeff Schlupp.

The FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle on Saturday afternoon will be his last City game before he flies out with Ghana as part of their squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

After a week of training, the 31-man squad will be narrowed to a final 23 for the tournament that starts on January 17.

On current form, it would be very surprising if Schlupp did not make the cut.

He has been in superb touch on the left side of midfield, and his wonderful 20-yard strike on New Year's Day completed a spirited comeback from two goals down at Liverpool.

It would be a great confidence boost for the City academy graduate, who suffered disappointment in the summer when he missed the cut for Ghana's final World Cup squad.

"Fingers crossed and I am hoping for the best," said Schlupp. "It may have come at a bad time because I am playing regularly. 

"I missed out on a major tournament in the summer so I am looking forward to this one. I hope I am going." 

Ghana are in Group C alongside Algeria, meaning Schlupp could go head to head with team-mate Riyad Mahrez, who has already made his country's final 23.

The final of the competition is on February 8, meaning the duo could miss up to four Premier League games, including crucial home clashes with Aston Villa, Stoke and Crystal Palace as well as a trip to Manchester United.

City are going to miss the pair of them. Mahrez or Schlupp have either scored or assisted five of the team's last seven goals.

"It is disappointing because they have both been exceptionally good for us," said manager Nigel Pearson.

Schlupp came through the City ranks as a striker, before spending a stint at left-back and is now flourishing on the left of midfield.

Pearson believes Schlupp has finally found his best position.

"He is better off when he is facing up the field," said Pearson. "He utilises his ability in terms of how he manipulates the ball and he has got unbelievable pace."

Leicester City will really miss in-form Jeff Schlupp during Africa Cup of Nations

People urged to donate unwanted clothes and furniture to charity

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People are being urged to give clothes and furniture to charity rather than chuck them out following the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Anthony Donovan the director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has made an appeal for more stock.

He said: "With large numbers of people not returning to work until after the New Year celebrations many are using the time at home to have a good sort out in order to accommodate presents given at Christmas and items of clothing and furniture bought in the sales."

He has appealed for items in a saleable condition to be donated to the charity and not tipped.

He said: "Age UK is in disparate need of good quality goods for its network of charity shops.

"Donations of goods in the build up to Christmas fell off dramatically and all of the shops need replenishing."

He said charities, including Age UK, were under immense pressure because of funding cuts.

He said: "The charity shops are a life line but their success is based on the support of the general public."

He stressed clothing and bric-a-brac can be taken to any of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland's shops directly and free collections of furniture can be arranged by calling Birstall on 0116 2672098 and Blaby 0116 2781208.

People urged to donate unwanted clothes and furniture to charity

Leicester City v Newcastle match preview: Nigel Pearson to shuffle pack for FA Cup third round

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It is sad that the FA Cup is increasingly becoming an unwelcome distraction from more important league matters.

With gargantuan sums of money attached to securing Premier League status, the magic of the cup is no longer at the forefront of clubs' minds.

Not for fans, of course, who will always harbour dreams of reaching a Wembley final.

Take Wigan two seasons ago. They will have their name forever etched into history for lifting the FA Cup, but at the expense of relegation from the top flight.

But for Leicester City, their third-round clash at home to Newcastle on Saturday is a chance for Nigel Pearson's side to build some vital momentum as they fight for Premier League survival.

After a nail-biting victory at Hull ended a run of 13 games without a win, followed by a spirited comeback from 2-0 down to draw at Liverpool on New Year's Day, City have the chance to pick up their first victory at the King Power Stadium since September.

A win for Pearson's men tomorrow afternoon would give them a huge confidence boost heading into two crucial home league games against Aston Villa and Stoke.

Pearson made four changes for the trip to Anfield and, with City playing twice in three days for the second time in nine days, he said it is inevitable he will continue to shuffle his pack.

"It would be fair to say we have made a number of changes throughout this period of games," said the City boss. "There is no right or wrong way to do it. 

"You could argue the benefits of keeping an unchanged side but, just from a physiological point of view, you have got to take into consideration the ability to recover."

Danny Drinkwater is unavailable after injuring his groin at Anfield, while Dean Hammond is suffering from a tight calf. Paul Konchesky is available after suspension.

It will be the final game for Riyad Mahrez and Jeff Schlupp, who will join up with Algeria and Ghana respectively for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Newcastle will be without defender Steven Taylor, who could be out for the season with a suspected ruptured Achilles picked up in their 3-3 draw with Burnley on New Year's Day. The Magpies will also be without former manager Alan Pardew, who has left to take over at Crystal Palace.

John Carver has taken over the reins but Pearson, twice a former caretaker boss at Newcastle himself, said the change will not affect his own preparations for the game.

"I can't really spend too much time debating how that's going to happen," said Pearson. "I'm sure John Carver will be preparing his home-town side very well. 

"I'm sure John will be thinking of it very short-term, get the best side out and get the best result for him and for Newcastle."

Manchester United have recalled forward Nick Powell from City. The 20-year-old had made just three first-team appearances.

Leicester City v Newcastle match preview: Nigel Pearson to shuffle pack for FA Cup third round

New programme of courses are on offer to people across Leicestershire

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People throughout Leicestershire are being urged to learn new skills in 2015.

The county's adult learning service is offering part-time, day, evening and weekend courses to provide an incentive for people to pursue a new interest, learn computer skills and improve their health and well-being.

Richard Blunt, the county council's cabinet member for adult learning, said: "We're offering a variety of enjoyable courses which we believe can have a positive impact on lives.

"There's the chance to learn useful new skills with hundreds of part-time courses to choose from with some of them leading to a recognised qualification."

The courses are contained in the spring 2015 brochure which can be viewed online at www.leics.gov.uk/GoLearn as well as being available in libraries and adult learning bases.

More information on the range of courses is available by calling 0800 988 0308. 

New programme of courses are on offer to people across Leicestershire

Home left uninhabitable after car smashes through garage wall, landing in its lounge

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A home was left uninhabitable after a runaway car smashed though a garage wall, ending up in the lounge of the neighbouring property.

The mid-morning incident today shattered the piece of Schoolhouse Close, a quiet cul-de-sac off Bradgate Road, Anstey.

The Jaguar car, which is normally parked in council garages in neighbouring Ashfield Drive, shot across a tarmac area, through the garage, demolishing its rear wall before crashing through the lounge wall of the home..

Luckily, the homeowner was out at the time.

Wayne Gale, station manager for the Harborough district, said at the scene: "The car went straight through the lounge and landed on a sofa.

"The elderly man who was driving the car was shaken up, but didn't want to go to hospital and was taken to a relative's house.

"The house is structurally unsafe and is uninhabitable and the homeowner is in shock at the state of his house. Incidents like this are very rare."

The 87-year-old driver's niece, who lives in Ashfield Drive, said: "He's always had Jags since I was a little girl, he'd just been to fill it up.

"I spoke to him and he said he'd gone though the garage. He didn't want to go to hospital. He's all right, he's with his son-in-law."

Home left uninhabitable after car smashes through garage wall, landing in its lounge

Police issue new photo in search for missing 83-year-old Jack Foster

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Police have released an updated image of an 83-year-old man who went missing two days before Christmas. Jack Foster, who is also known as Derek Foster, is thought to have boarded a bus to Bottesford, in Leicestershire, from Grantham bus station on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 23. Lincolnshire officers have asked colleagues in Leicestershire to join the search for Mr Foster, who is described as vulnerable. Police yesterday issued an updated photograph of Mr Foster wearing a pair of superimposed spectacles similar to those he often wears. He was last seen when he left Grantham Hospital after an out-patients appointment for treatment for a fractured shoulder. He left the hospital and was expected to head for his home Long Bennington, but he has never arrived. When he left hospital he was wearing a dark brown overcoat, dark trousers and shoes. He has a fractured left shoulder which means he cannot move his left arm. The injury also means Mr Foster walks with a shuffle. Contact police on 101.

Police issue new photo in search for missing 83-year-old Jack Foster

Thug breaks man's jaw during attack in Market Harborough

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A man suffered a broken jaw when a thug attacked him as he climbed into a taxi. The man and a friend were attacked as they tried to get into the taxi in High Street, Market Harborough at 3am on Sunday, December 13. Police, who believe the attack was carried out by two, possibly three men, released details today. One suspect is white, 5ft 10ins, 20 to 25, slim and muscular. He has black hair and was wearing a pale blue top. Pc Yassin Desai said: "I believe there will be people who witnessed the incident who have not come forward and spoken to police."

Thug breaks man's jaw during attack in Market Harborough


Appeal after friends assaulted in the Bee's Knees pub, Thorpe Astley

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Police have appealed for witnesses after four friends were attacked in a pub. The victims were targeted in the Bee's Knees, in Meridian Way, Thorpe Astley, Leicester on Boxing Day. Officers said a female member of the group was assaulted by a group of people she had argued with. Her three friends were also attacked when they came to help her. The incident happened between 7.45pm and 8pm. Pc Vicki Hudson said: "If you were there with friends and family please have a think back and see if there is anything you can remember which may help with our inquiries. "If you were with people from out of town, I would ask you to get in touch with them and ask if they saw anything. Even the smallest details could help." Two women, aged 48 and 28, and a 23-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.

Appeal after friends assaulted in the Bee's Knees pub, Thorpe Astley

Transfer news: Leicester City to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer

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Leicester City are set to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

The 42-year-old is understood to be joining Nigel Pearson's squad on a deal potentially until the end of next season and will become City's first signing of the January transfer window.

Schwarzer has made 700 senior appearances in a 20-year career, including playing alongside Pearson at their time at Middlesbrough.

He also has more than 100 international caps to his name for Australia.

Pearson had previously refused to rule out bringing in cover for first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who will be out of action for at least six weeks with a broken metatarsal.

Ben Hamer has impressed in Schmeichel's absence, and has kept two of City's three clean sheets so far this season.

Transfer news: Leicester City to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer

Waltz to win

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Shirley Percival, Jill Moore and Andrea Pickering notched 51 points to win a women's 'waltz' competition at Market Harborough.

Hilary Hearnshaw, Aileen Pyle and Madeleine Holliman scored 44 points to win a women's team competition at the club.

Leicester Tigers: Talks are continuing on Geoff Parling's future

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Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has responded to speculation that lock-forward Geoff Parling is set for a move to Exeter Chiefs by saying "discussions will go on" into his future at the club.

There has been plenty of talk in the press and on social media in the last few weeks that the out-of-contract 31-year-old is on the verge of following good friend Thomas Waldrom to Sandy Park next season.

If true, that would end a six-year spell at Welford Road for Parling since he joined from Newcastle in 2009.

Cockerill refused to confirm that his second-row forward was expected to leave, but he did expect Parling to be a big feature of Stuart Lancaster's England squad when the Six Nations get under way in next month after a good run of form after returning from a head injury.

"Geoff is out of contract at the end of the season and, like anything, discussions will go on with him," said Cockerill.

"Geoff played very well at Sale and I would expect him to be in the Six Nations squad and pushing for a place in the match-day 23."

Cockerill added that star midfielder Manu Tuilagi is "doing well" in his battle back from a groin injury and that two other big-name injury absentees were also closer to a return date.

"Manu may be back in mid-January, it may be a week before, it may be a week later," he said. "He is working hard and he is doing well. He will be ready when he is ready.

"Logo Mulipola (leg) has trained with us this week and will train fully next week.

"He should be available for the Harlequins game a week today. Niall Morris (ankle) should be back the week after Harlequins."

Leicester Tigers: Talks are continuing on Geoff Parling's future

Leicester City: Newcastle caretaker boss John Carver eyes place in FA Cup final and 'new suit'

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Newcastle caretaker manager John Carver is hoping to take his side all the way to the FA Cup final because he "needs a new suit".

Leicester City welcome the managerless Magpies to the King Power Stadium in the third round this afternoon.

Carver has taken over the reins at Newcastle, who sit 10th in the table, with former boss Alan Pardew having left to take charge of fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.

The 49-year-old Carver has previously been an assistant manager at Newcastle for an FA Cup semi-final and final, and said he would love to take the Toon Army all the way to Wembley once again.

"It would be nice for people to go to Wembley, and nice for me because I need a new suit," he said.

Carver was assistant to Bobby Robson when Newcastle were beaten by Manchester United in the 1999 final before losing to Chelsea in the semi-final the following season.

"I've been to a final and semi-final," said Carver.

"The ovation we got when we didn't even win it against Chelsea was incredible.

"It was probably the best we played when we lost 2-1."

But first his team will have to get past a City side who have finally dragged themselves out of their dismal run of results.

Carver knows Newcastle will have a real battle on their hands.

Leicester fell to a 1-0 defeat at St James' Park earlier this season, at the beginning of their 13-game winless run.

But Nigel Pearson's men have finally found some encouraging returns with their victory at Hull followed up by an inspired comeback in their 2-2 draw at Liverpool, which saw them come from two goals down at Anfield.

"They had a good result again," said Carver. "I know that Nigel was talking about changing it around for the cup tie.

"We will have to look at our guys and see who is available and get 11 fit bodies on the pitch."

Newcastle will be without Steven Taylor this afternoon, with the defender likely to be out for the rest of the season with a suspected ruptured Achilles picked up in the 3-3 draw with Burnley.

Leicester City: Newcastle caretaker boss John Carver eyes place in FA Cup final and 'new suit'

Angling: Lakeview open win for Brian

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Brian Greenbury battled cold and frosty conditions to win an open match at Lakeview Fishery on Sunday.

Temperatures dropped throughout the day, which saw quite an unexpected weight come off reef pool.

Greenbury posted a weight of 68lb 12oz, with a good mix of carp, skimmers and F1s, catching them over and down the side on peg 14.

Ken Daws was second with a respectable 40-00 off peg one, while Martin Thackery was third on 25-08 off peg 11.

Steve Kinch, 20-12, Roger Parnell, 17-05, and Shaun Huggins, 14-05, rounded off the top six.

The Boxing Day open at Lakeview saw a narrow win for Peter Cooke. He weighed in with 49-12 to pip Steve Haywood, 48-05.

Third was Joey Griffin, 38-08, followed by Brian Orme, 30-12, and Darren Bamford, 30-00.

Euro Millions result

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The winning numbers in the Euro Millions draw for Friday, January 2 are

22, 24, 25, 28 and 49 with the lucky stars 3 and 6.

There were no winners, so the jackpot of £11,751,000 will roll over until Tuesday.

There was one winner of a £1 million prize in the UK Millionaire Maker.

The winning code is F H M 9 6 5 8 8 4

Euro Millions result


Weekend weather for Leicestershire

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  • It will be a cold and cloudy day today with some rain or drizzle at times. Some of the rain could turn heavy before it clears during the afternoon and may turn to sleet or snow, especially over hills.
    Tonight, skies will clear with a very cold night to come with light winds. A widespread frost will form everywhere by the end of the night.Top temperature 4C,minimum -1C
    Tomorrow will see a frosty start with some freezing fog around but most of this should clear to leave a fine day with sunny spells. Feeling cold though, even in the sunshine.Temperatures will range between 1C and 2C.

Weekend weather for Leicestershire

Leicester man arrested over New Year's Day kebab shop assault in Derby

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A 24-year-old man from Leicester man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after an assault in Derby in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The man was arrested in Leicester on Thursday evening and was taken to Derby to be questioned by police.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault that happened at 1.45am on Thursday January 1 at McTurks Kebabs on the Morledge in Derby.

The victim, a 29-year-old man from the Derby area, is being treated in the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for a serious head injury and is described as being in a critical but stable condition.

Leicester man arrested over New Year's Day kebab shop assault in Derby

Leading man Michael French pulls out of Curve's The Sound of Music for personal reasons

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The leading man in Leicester Curve's Christmas show, The Sound of Music, has pulled out due to "personal reasons".

The theatre has announced yesterday(FRI) that Eastenders actor Michael French had "withdrawn" from the show.

For all forthcoming performances his role of Captain von Trapp will be played by Mark Inscoe.

A spokeswoman for the theatre was unable to give any further details about Mr French's reasons for leaving the show.

The Sound of Music runs until Saturday, January 17.

To book tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk.

Leading man Michael French pulls out of Curve's The Sound of Music for personal reasons

WATCH: CCTV footage of driver stuck between barriers at Narborough railway crossing

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CCTV footage has been released of a driver stuck between the barriers at a level crossing to warn of the dangers of ignoring flashing red lights.

The footage from Narborough crossing shows a black Vauxhall Corsa drive over the railway line as the red lights flash and get stuck between the barriers.

The car then manoeuvres off the tracks before the train arrives. The incident happened in March 2013.

Although statistics from Network Rail, who released the footage, show that in the past year there has only been one report of deliberate misuse at Narborough level crossing eyewitnesses say they have seen several dangerous incidents.

Steve Baggott, an account sales supervisor at Travis Perkins, a builders merchants in Narborough which is next to the rail crossing, said he has seen a few dangerous incidents at Narborough crossing in the past year.

He said about one month ago a van tried to drive through as the barriers were coming down.

Steve, 33, said the driver had to stop and drive backwards.

"The barrier had just started to come down, the lights were flashing and the van started to come through quite quickly, so they had to drive backwards.

"There have been a couple of occasions when people try to go through while the barriers are coming down.

"In a 20 minute period the barriers can go down three or four times so the traffic does not like waiting."

Steve, of Earl Shilton, added that he has also seen children running across.

"They managed to get through to the other side before the barriers came down, but it was quite dangerous."

Becky Chamberlain, 29, an assistant manager at Travis Perkins in Loughborough, who used to work at the Narborough branch, said a camera was put up at Narborough level crossing a few years ago which has helped to prevent people misusing it.

Problems have also been experienced at Oakham crossing where between April and October this year, there were more than 100 reported incidents.

In order to try to tackle this issue, Network Rail recently held an awareness day at Oakham crossing.

Liz Pearson, community safety manager for Network Rail in the East Midlands, said: "Some people are not using level crossings in the Leicester area in a safe way. This is not only against the law, but puts people's lives in danger.

"When the sirens and lights sound at a crossing, people should not attempt to cross it. I understand it can be frustrating waiting for trains to pass at level crossings, but please be patient.

"It is never worth the risk. Even if you manage to cross without getting hurt, misusing level crossings can cause delays to train services and other people."

Chief inspector Dave Scott, from the British Transport Police (BTP), said: "I have seen what happens when a train hits a car or person and we then have the sad duty of adversely and completely changing the rest of people's lives by informing them that their loved ones have died.

"I would urge anyone who thinks trying to beat the red light is okay, to take a second to think of the consequences and stop. It might just save your life."

Anyone who witnesses motorists ignoring level crossing procedures contact BTP on freephone 0800 405040 or text 61016 in confidence.

More about level crossing safety can be found HERE.

Watch the rail crossing incident below:

WATCH:  CCTV footage of driver stuck between barriers at Narborough railway crossing

Phoenix Nights star Paddy McGuinness makes good on bet to clean Emile Heskey's boots after the Leicester legend scored for new club Bolton

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Entertainer Paddy McGuinness, a lifelong Bolton fan, tweeted that he would clean Leicester legend Emile Heskey's boots if the striker scored on his debut for the club.

The former Leicester and England man, who has just signed for the club, duly found the net in Wanderers' 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.

McGuinnes Tweeted:"If @EmileHeskeyUK comes off the bench today and scores for us I'll personally clean his boots! C'mon Bolton!!!!"

Bolton went on to win the game 2-1 thanks to the Heskey-inspired turnaround.

It left the comedian and presenter of ITV's Take Me Out having to keep his promise at the team's training ground, after Tweeting:"Just getting organised, got to go & settle a bet. Time to clean the big mans @EmileHeskeyUK boots! Off to @OfficialBWFC training ground."

Phoenix Nights star Paddy McGuinness makes good on bet to clean Emile Heskey's boots after the Leicester legend scored for new club Bolton

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