Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has vowed to ring the changes for the Capital One clash with Derby County tonight.

The City boss said he intended to freshen up his side and is expected to hand full debuts to new signings Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Poland international Marcin Wasilewski, if his international clearance comes through in time.

However, Pearson said that doesn't mean he is weakening his side and insists progress in the cup is important as City look to continue their good start to the season.

"I will be making changes," he said.

"It is a chance to give one or two other players pitch time, but I don' think we will be necessarily weakened.

"Hopefully, we will see one or two new faces as well.

"We are making the changes because we think that it is right.

"We have named the same starting 11 for three games on the spin and I thought one or two weren't quite able to give us the same level of performance.

"This is an opportunity to utilise the squad and we have some very good players who have not started the last few games.

"It is not a case of picking a different side because we don't take it seriously. We want to win this game. The players who start will be looking forward to playing and to staking a claim.

"If this was a league fixture, I would still make some changes based on the fact that we probably need a bit of freshening up. It is not because it is a cup game.

"We have every intention of winning the game. As far as I am concerned, the cup games so far have helped us to build a run which has been positive at the start of the season and I want that to continue.

"I think the players are feeling confident and there is a very positive spirit in the camp which positive results can only enhance."

Pearson believes the fact it is a local derby will add extra spice to tonight's clash.

"It is a local derby and it should be keenly contested. I think that will add a different dimension," he said.

"It is good for us to be at home in a cup tie but also to play against local rivals will give it a different edge.

"As always with any local derby, whether a cup or league game, it is about the side who handles the situation, it is important to be up for these games but also in control.

"You can't afford to get overly excited. You still have to be in control of your emotions to perform at your best."

City will be without Sean St Ledger (knee) and Chris Wood (hamstring).

Thieves have stolen two competition bikes from the home of international BMX rider Shaun Issitt.

They struck some time last week in Glen Parva and took four cycles worth nearly £4,000 from his garage.

The 25-year-old PE teacher discovered they had been taken when he wanted to use one of his road bikes on Friday.

He said: "I am due to take part in the Northern Championships in Preston at the weekend and I will have to pull out if I can't get a replacement or borrow a competition machine.

"It is the first time since I was three that I have not got a bike of some kind. I am devastated they have gone."

Mr Issitt, ranked fourth in the UK, came fifth in the cruiser section at the 2013 European championships held in Dessel, in Belgium, in the summer.

The thieves took his specially-made black 20in wheel BMX Revell competition bike, worth £1,500, which is only one of seven of its kind in this country.

They also took his 24in wheel Redline cruiser machine worth £800, as well as two Specialize road bikes, worth at least £1,500.

Mr Issitt believes the thieves stole the machines from his Richmond Drive home some time last week.

He said: "I was injured in a lesson at school so I had not been on my bike for some time.

"The last time I checked the bikes was on Saturday evening last week. I went to take the road bike out for a ride on Friday evening and I discovered all the bikes had gone.

"The thieves had broken in through the back door of the garage and had left the padlock in place to give the impression nothing had a been touched.

"The competition machines are specialist bikes and are well-known in BMX circles. So I think they could be broken down for parts. But the road bikes could be sold on.

"I am sure the thieves knew what they were after. I often load the bikes up in my van in the street and could have been seen by someone."

He said the machines were covered up to a value of £3,000 on his house insurance.

However, he said: "If I don't get them back, or can borrow a machine, I will not be able to take part in the Northern championships."

It is not the first time he has had a competition bike stolen. When he was nine, thieves stole his BMX bike from his dad's van.

Detective Constable Tracey Horne said: "The victim is desperate for the return of these bikes and we would urge anyone who knows where they are to get in touch. Do you know someone who has recently acquired similar bikes or have you been approached by someone selling the bikes in suspicious circumstances?

"Any information, no matter how small, could help us with inquiries."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Horne on 101, or Crimestoppers, which is free, on 0800 555 111.

A university is waiting to hear if it has been selected as an international team base for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Organisers of the rugby union event have visited Loughborough University to see facilities at the campus that have previously attracted some of the biggest names in sport.

The university has applied to be one of 50 team bases required across England and Wales, for the 20 international teams taking part.

Organisers are visiting more than 80 sites – including rugby clubs, schools and colleges, universities, local authorities and training complexes that have bid to be official bases.

During the visit to Loughborough, organisers viewed pitches at the Holywell sports complex and indoor training facilities such as the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, the university's 50-metre swimming pool and its Powerbase gym.

The tour also included a visit to Burleigh Court, a four-star hotel on the campus, a key component in the university's offer in hosting preparation camps for visiting teams. If selected as an official team base for Rugby World Cup 2015, it would be the latest coup for the university.

Last year, it was the official preparation camp headquarters for Team GB prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This autumn, the England rugby league squad will be based at the university in the build-up to and during Rugby League World Cup.

Peter Keen, director of sport at Loughborough University, said: "We are very proud of our heritage and reputation for creating a performance sport environment which attracts national and international squads, domestic teams and elite athletes to our campus."

The Richard III Society is yet to make a final decision on whether it will donate cash to help fund the king's tomb at Leicester Cathedral.

Society spokesman Richard Van Allen spoke to the Mercury yesterday, following reports the group had "withdrawn" funding as some of its members were not happy with the design.

In response to the reports, bosses at the cathedral said while they would be grateful for any donations, they were never relying on the offer of funding from the society.

However, Mr Van Allen said that, as the cathedral's plans were only unveiled last week, more time was needed to decide on whether or not the society would go ahead with its donation.

The cost of the tomb will be about £96,000.

The society has raised between £30,000 and £40,000.

Mr Van Allen said: "It has been suggested we're withdrawing funds. We are not.

"The cathedral has never said it was going to take the funds in the first place.

"We want to take the time to have a look at the design and talk to our members to see if they still want to contribute.

"Personally, I'm an old-fashioned guy and I would prefer a tomb with a figure of the king on it. We're talking to the cathedral and hopefully it will be a joint thing."

Leicester Cathedral Canon Missioner Peter Hobson said the cathedral had to consider several different aspects when it came to the design of the tomb, including planning restrictions and its setting in a place of worship.

He said: "We have never written it (funding from the society) into our budget. We know there will need to be a process of inviting people to help contribute but we're not at the stage to do that yet."

A man was poisoned by fumes from a petrol generator he put in his flat after his electricity was disconnected during freezing weather.

Michael Hirrell, 48, was overcome by carbon monoxide, from the machine in his kitchen.

His body was found by his son and a friend at his home, in Cross Street, Belgrave, Leicester.

Yesterday, an inquest at Leicester Town Hall heard Mr Hirrell's body was found on January 25 – eight days after energy supplier npower cut off his supply.

Coroner Lydia Brown said Mr Hirrell's electricity was switched off when temperatures were as low as -10C.

She said: "The wrong decision was made with catastrophic consequences."

The inquest heard the rented flat's power supply came from a shop below which had been vacated with bills unpaid.

Mr Hirrell was not a registered npower customer and was unaware of the arrears when company officials turned up to disconnect the supply.

The inquest heard he explained he would be left without power.

Despite npower staff's concerns, caused by the poor weather and him looking unwell, a decision was eventually taken to cut him off.

In response, Mr Hirrell borrowed the generator from a friend.

After his body was found, it was discovered the generator had been used.

Tests showed fatal levels of carbon monoxide in Mr Hirrell's body.

Under the Energy UK Safety Net voluntary agreement, which npower had signed, domestic customers such as the elderly, disabled, and those on benefits should not be cut off.

However, as Mr Hirrell was getting his supply from a commercial premises, he was not recognised as a customer or deemed to be vulnerable, despite being on housing benefits.

Npower's risk and debt manager Karen Kelsey said: "It didn't happen here because the meter was a commercial meter."

Mrs Brown criticised the company for failing to establish whether he was vulnerable before cutting the power.

She said: "It was a rather stark outcome.

"Nobody made any common sense decision that here was a man about to be cut off.

"All the excuses I have heard about him not being a customer are nonsense."

Kevin Elliott, representing the power supplier, said: "Plainly, from npower's perspective this is a deep tragedy and measures have been taken to make sure it doesn't happen again."

The court heard the firm now did additional checks before disconnection and, as part of a trial, no customers would be disconnected between October and March.

Mrs Brown recorded a narrative verdict and is to write to npower, energy watchdog Ofgem and suppliers' trade organisation Energy UK to raise her concerns about the case to try to prevent similar incidents in the future.

After the hearing, Mr Hirrell's sister Bridie Hirrell said: "We are angry. Npower should not have cut him off.

"He was clearly vulnerable. I am glad the coroner is going to send her a letter but it will not bring Mick back.

"We have lost a brother, a son, a father and a grandad."

After the inquest, an npower spokesman said: "We were saddened to hear about the death of Mr Hirrell and our condolences go out to his family and friends. We have co-operated fully and openly with the coroner's investigation and have since reviewed and strengthened our processes."

A deaf sign language tutor whose home was severely damaged in an arson attack has found a new place to live and teach.

Michael Broderick, who has been deaf since he was born, had to be rescued with his wife from their home in Aldridge Road, Burbage, last month after arsonists poured petrol inside the property and lit it.

The fumes exploded, causing a blaze to spread throughout the bungalow, from which Michael also ran sign language classes.

After hearing about the tragedy, businessman Tom Egan, who owns White Cross Garage in Burbage, offered Michael a cottage attached to his garage at a reduced rent.

Michael and his wife, who are both in their 50s, were in the bedroom at the back of the property when the fire was started.

Michael said: "Since being placed in a position where I thought my life was coming to an end, when my wife and I experienced the horrendous trauma, it has made me more determined not to give up my campaign of promoting deaf awareness and British Sign Language.

"I refuse to be made a victim by the arsonist and will keep positive.

"Seeing billowing smoke seeping so quickly into our bedroom was so frightening.

"I did try to smash the double-glazed window but to no avail – it was Leicestershire Police who actually smashed it, enabling us to escape, although none of the emergency services staff, at the arson scene, were able to communicate with us as we are both profoundly deaf.

"We are so relieved now to be in new living and business premises at White Cross Garage.

"Thankfully, the landlord, Tom Egan, has been very helpful and I am sure he will continue to be supportive, which will certainly reduce the stress of the situation."

Tom said: "I was told about what had happened to Michael and I couldn't believe someone would do something like this.

"Michael runs a caring business and I was happy to welcome him as a tenant."

No-one has been charged yet for the arson attack on Monday, August 3.

Police believe the bungalow was targeted deliberately.

A police spokeswoman said: "Investigations into the arson are ongoing.

"Police initially appealed for men wearing high-visibility jackets who were seen close to the scene when police arrived to come forward.

"These men have now been located and spoken to by police and are being treated as significant witnesses.

"We are still pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and I would ask anyone who has any information but has not yet come forward to do so."

This fully-working handgun was handed in at a police station as a two-week firearms amnesty got under way on Saturday.

The Mauser revolver, which police said was in full working order, was left anonymously at Leicester's Keyham Lane police station.

It was the first "live" weapon to be surrendered.

The amnesty allows people to hand in guns or ammunition without fear of prosecution for illegal possession of a weapon.

However, the revolver will be examined by experts to check if it has been used recently or can be linked to any crimes.

A force spokeswoman said: "Obviously, the public would not expect us to ignore the fact that some of the guns handed in may have been used in crime.

"The amnesty means that people handing weapons in can do so without fear of prosecution for their illegal possession.

"Each weapon is judged on its own merits."

Elsewhere over the weekend, seven bullets which date back to the Second World War were passed to officers at Beaumont Leys police station, while a replica shotgun was handed in at Syston police station.

Leicestershire Police has urged people to take the opportunity to rid themselves of firearms – real or replica – over the next two weeks.

Chief Inspector Chris Brown, who is overseeing the amnesty, said: "We are really pleased with the response we have had over the weekend and we hope it continues."

Chief Insp Brown said the force was continuing its efforts to educate young people about the consequences of involvement in armed crime or the use of imitation weapons.

He spoke as the force released statistics for a range of gun crimes in 2011, 2012 and from January to the end of June this year.

The number of people injured in firearms incidents was 24 in 2011, 22 in 2012 and nine in the first six months of this year.

The number of occasions when a firearm was used to threaten someone was 45 in 2011, 46 in 2012 and 19 in the first six months of this year.

Chief Insp Brown said: "As well as the educational work we have been doing, there has also been a lot of work going on for a number of years to target criminals who have access to firearms."

There has been one fatal shooting in Leicestershire in the past three years – 30-year-old Hayley Pointon, of Hinckley.

The mother-of-two died following an incident in Sunnydale Road, in the town on February 3. A number of people have been arrested and the investigation is continuing.

About 800 firearms, including sawn-off shotguns, pistols, antiques and imitation weapons were handed in during the force's most recent amnesty, which took place throughout April, 2003.

People are advised to ring their local police station before setting off in order to ensure it is open and for advice on the safe transportation of a firearm.

The main collection points are the following police stations: Loughborough, Hinckley, Syston, Market Harborough, Melton, Oakham, Braunstone, Coalville, city centre (Mansfield House), Keyham Lane, Spinney Hill Park, Beaumont Leys and Wigston.

Advice is also available by calling Leicestershire Police on 101.

A health watchdog is considering asking the Health Secretary to hold a public inquiry into the quality of care at a city mental health unit.

It follows a call from a city councillor for a public inquiry after a damning report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) about the Bradgate Unit, on the Glenfield Hospital site.

The Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, which runs the unit, has been served with two warning notices by the CQC over poor standards.

It has also been under fire over the suicides of nine patients since the start of 2010.

Leicester councillor Baljit Singh, from the Evington ward, believes "serious consideration" should be given to getting a public inquiry.

He said: "In view of the critical nature of the CQC investigation into operational failures, which may have contributed to suicides, I do think there should be serious consideration to request the Secretary State of Health to institute a public inquiry. To me, an inquiry like this would carry out a detailed investigation.

"Where there has been loss of lives, how do you reconcile that with just an apology?

"We need to know what kind of systems are in operation, where changes have been made, who has overseen them and the resolution, to ensure systems are more robust.

"Suicides seem to happen time and time again. There is no greater tragedy than the loss of life, especially when it is unnatural."

Coun Rory Palmer, deputy city mayor and chairman of the council's health and wellbeing board, said: "Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust has apologised and set out an action plan.

"Ultimately, it needs to be judged on its actions.

"The trust needs to get to a point to provide assurance it is heading in the right direction."

However, Coun Palmer added that "formal avenues" through the scrutiny commission and the health and wellbeing board remained open "if we feel the need to secure more impetus or pace".

Coun Michael Cooke, chairman of the council's health and community involvement scrutiny commission, said he is seeking advice on whether a referral for a public inquiry can be made to the Health Secretary.

A spokesman for the NHS Trust said: "The trust met with the city's health overview and scrutiny committee in early September to hear the concerns of the council, and we will be returning to its next meeting, where the progress on addressing quality concerns at the Bradgate Unit will be further discussed. We are working hard to resolve the issues highlighted."

Dr Peter Miller, a child psychiatrist and medical director of the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, takes over the reins as chief executive of the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust on October 1.

Residents yesterday celebrated the jailing of their "neighbour from hell" after he made their lives a misery for more than 10 years.

Leslie Collins repeatedly ignored court orders and carried on with his noisy and illegal woodworking business, which disturbed the peace in a residential cul-de-sac.

The 68-year-old carpenter also waged a spiteful campaign against a couple next door – Michael and Shirley Pollard – by hurling buckets of human excrement mixed with oil and water over the fence into their garden and up the house wall.

Collins, of Rockland Rise, Whitwick, was jailed for a total of two years and 10 months – of which he is expected to serve half.

He admitted twice breaching an anti-social behaviour order, relating to the throwing of human waste, as well as damaging the Pollards' drainpipe, in March and April this year.

Collins also admitted operating a waste facility – a wood recycling business – without an environment permit, between February and November last year.

After the hearing at Leicester Crown Court, the Pollards and two other couples who attended court spoke of their delight at the jail sentence.

After years of suffering continual machine noise, a radio blaring outside at night and general verbal abuse, they described it "like winning the lottery".

Mrs Pollard, 68, said: "We used to dread coming home, fearing what he'd done next."

Mr Pollard, 68, said: "In the end I installed a CCTV camera in a tree in the garden that captured him throwing excrement and putting cement down my drain.

"We had nails and glass put on the drive and I must have had 25 punctures over the years."

Another neighbour Joan Elliott, 82, said: "Now he's in prison, we're going to have peace and quiet at last. We're all ecstatic as he was a nasty piece of work."

Margaret Walne, 68, said: "We'd forgotten what it's like to live a normal life. It now means we can open our windows and spend time in our gardens.

"Collins would shout abuse at us and even swore at visiting grandchildren."

Her husband Rodney Walne, 71, said: "Thankfully, the judge understood how bad it's been. Collins has got what he deserves."

During the hearing, Tim Green, prosecuting on behalf of the Environment Agency, said: "It was a deliberate and sustained campaign of anti-social behaviour.

"He's been described as a neighbour from hell. He'd receive deliveries of waste wood at his suburban home in the form of wooden pallets and cut them up with a chainsaw and hammers to make kindle. It happened at all hours."

Mr Pollard and his neighbours said they were thankful the Environment Agency stepped in to prosecute.

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said Collins lived "an isolated and unconventional" lifestyle since separating from his wife in 1986 and was estranged from his son. He did not have a television or a cooker.

Sentencing Collins, Judge Michael Pert QC said: "You were running a woodworking business without a licence from the environment agency. You made your neighbours lives a misery." He said the human waste-throwing incidents were "disgusting".

Collins has previously been prosecuted and fined for earlier breaches of his Asbo – which the judge renewed for five years.

HAPPY DAYS.Rowed into bay NE of Cone Island in mist and rain.Japan to Alaska-what an amazing,beautiful,brutal row.Big grins.

— Sarah Outen (@SarahOuten) September 23, 2013

New signing Gary Taylor-Fletcher will be an important player for Leicester City this season, says boss Nigel Pearson.

The 32-year-old was given his debut against his old club Blackpool on Saturday only 24 hours after agreeing a one-year deal.

Taylor-Fletcher came on as a second-half substitute to an ovation from both sets of fans having spent six years at Bloomfield Road.

Pearson said his new striker, who came straight into the squad after Chris Wood picked up a hamstring strain in training, would have a big part to play this season. "It was good for him to get the reception he had here, that is a good illustration of how much he is respected and valued here," said Pearson.

"He will be an important player for us this season. He brings something a little bit different.

"He has certainly got experience and good game understanding. He will complement what we have got.

"We have added some experience to the squad which I think will be invaluable moving forward through the season. I think that will be important for us." However, Pearson said that Saturday's 2-2 draw was two points dropped rather than a point gained.

City were denied victory when goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel conceded an added-time penalty and Thomas Ince converted the spot-kick.

Pearson was disappointed by the dramatic finale to a game City looked to have in the bag, but was philosophical about the draw.

"It feels like we dropped a couple of points because, after a pretty indifferent first-half performance, I thought we did pretty well.

"To concede so late on doesn't feel great, but that is life and we move on. I don't expect players to be flawless.

"Sometimes mistakes cost you and sometimes they don't. It is unfortunate.

"Once we got in front, it looked more probably that we would get the three points.

"Unfortunately we couldn't see the game out."

City had gone behind to Chris Basham's header, but a Paul Konchesky penalty and then a stunning strike from Andy King less than two minutes later had put City on course for victory.

"It was a super goal from Andy and when you can score goals in quick succession, like we did, it changes the complexion of the game," said Pearson.

"There were some very good aspects to our performance and there are some things we need to work on."

Ex-Leicester City midfielder Robbie Savage admitted he will be cheering on Derby County when the sides meet in the Capital One Cup tonight (7.45).

The pantomime villain, who won the League Cup with City under Martin O'Neill in 2000, said his allegiance is with his former manager Nigel Clough.

Savage saw out the last two years of his playing career as club captain under Clough at Pride Park.

"If I'm being honest, I've got more loyalties to Derby at the minute because the manager Nigel Clough and all his staff are still there," she said.

"It would be different if Martin O'Neill was still the manager at Leicester. But I've moved on from my time there.

"It is a club that I hold in high esteem and I'll never forget the memories I had."

But he admits City are the team most likely to book their place in the fourth round.

"I think Leicester are favourites – just," said Savage.

"They've gone to Pride Park already this season and won.

"They've won five games out of eight are near the top of the league, so they have had a great start."

City's 2-1 victory over Tranmere 13 years ago came a year after they had suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the final.

Savage made 204 appearances for City in a five-year stint at the club between 1997-2002.

He joined Birmingham following City's relegation from the Premier League and received a less-than-welcoming reception when he returned with his new club in 2003. Unfairly so in Savage's eyes.

"Leicester went down, I wasn't one of their best players and they had to get me off the wage bill," admitted Savage.

"I went to Birmingham and almost did the club a favour by leaving.

"The reception I got when I came back, when my name was read out on the team-sheet, I thought was a bit disrespectful.

"That's why I kissed the badge when we won.

"The majority of the Leicester fans are great – there are always a few mindless people out there who love booing for the sake of booing," he added.

Robbie Savage was speaking on behalf of Capital One, the credit card company and sponsors of the League Cup.