Nigel Pearson said he would draw the positives from Leicester City's defeat at Crystal Palace.

City slipped to a 2-0 defeat after conceding twice from set pieces inside three second half minutes and the City boss said there were certainly aspects of his side's display that needed working on.

However, Pearson remained level-headed about City's second defeat of the season and said there were plenty of positives to take from his side's start to the campaign.

"I can't sit here after games and be as emotional as other people are," he said.

"I have to reflect on performances that has a bit of balance to it.

"Our performances have been positive so far and there have been positives from all the games, but as always there are areas you can improve on.

"What makes the difference is whether the result goes your way so you can put a different slant on it.

"First and foremost the performances have been pretty good this season.

"In the first half at Palace we didn't play as well as we could have, but that is not to say that everything today was not good.

"We had some good aspects to our play but that is how it goes."

Pearson was pleased with the number of opportunities City created and admitted, had they taken them, the outcome could have been very different.

"We created chances," he said.

"Palace do defend deep. That is how they had their success last season. That is why we had so much possession in the first half.

"You have to ease them out before you hit them on the break. I thought we did it pretty well in the first half.

"We created some pretty decent chances by being patient and managing the ball pretty well.

"The margins are pretty fine. If we had taken our chances we could be talking in a different way.

"We have to make sure that what has got us success to this point we continue to work at, and aspire to be that better as well."

Nigel Pearson has told his Leicester City players that international recognition will only come if they maintain high standards for City.

Although they were below par on Saturday at Crystal Palace, City's good start to their Premier League campaign has led to speculation that several of Pearson's squad are now being considered for international call-ups.

Leonardo Ulloa and Ritchie De Laet's performances have attracted attention from the Argentinian and Belgium federations respectively, while Liam Moore has been touted for a future promotion from Gareth Southgate's England under-21 squad.

More immediate is a case for a call-up for striker Jamie Vardy into Roy Hodgson's England squad for their European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia next month.

After his impressive display against Manchester United, Sky Sports reported that England assistant manager Ray Lewington was at Selhurst Park to watch Vardy in action.

Hodgson is certainly looking at his striker options as Daniel Sturridge is out of action with a thigh injury, while Ricky Lambert is barely getting any pitch time at Liverpool.

Plus Vardy's high-octane style of play is tailor-made for the way Hodgson wants England to play, but Pearson said international selection for any of his players would only come through strong consistent performances for City.

"What the players understand here is they have to get their performances right domestically week in and week out," he said.

"If that generates interest then well and good.

"Players are clear in their own minds they need to perform for us first and foremost.

"If that brings recognition elsewhere then I am pleased for them."

Pearson believes his players have already demonstrated they can make the step up in quality to the Premier League.

"Progression for us is for our players to consistently perform at a high level and what we have seen so far would suggest we have a number of players here who have shown they can make the step up to the Premier League," he added.

"It is a long season and it is too early to start building players up too much, but if players do, through their performances, get international recognition then that is a good reflection on them as individuals but a positive reflection on the team too.

"For the most part in all the games we have played, we have had a high level of performance which has been very encouraging.

"But how other people want to perceive that and then take that story forward is up for debate."

TV star Lynda Bellingham has revealed that she only has a short time left to live.

The 66-year-old actress, who entertained audiences at De Montfort Hall in 2012, in the stage show of Calendar Girls, told the Sun that she suffering from terminal bowel cancer and is preparing to spend her final weeks with her family.

The former OXO mum, who has two sons, Michael, 31, and Robbie, 26, married her third husband Michael Pattermore, in 2008.

Speaking to the Sun, she said: "There were so many things left that I wanted to do - but I hope my sons will use my energy and look after my hubby and love each other.

"I am sad I will not see who they marry, or live with. I know in my heart they have so much to give someone who will unlock their dreams."

She was diagnosed with colon cancer 14-months ago but made the brave decision to stop her chemotherapy last November.

By the time the treatment had started, the disease was already in an advanced stage, having spread to her lungs and liver.

She revealed that her funeral has already been arranged, with Lynda asking her loved ones to have a big party after the service.

She said: "I can't organise the moment of my death. I'm not scared of dying. Dying is much worse for the people left behind.

"If I could have a little moment to say goodbye to them all and the do the old morphine and just go to sleep, that would be fine.

"I just want to get it over - I'm a very tidy person."

British Gas has apologised after wrongly taking more than £20,000 for a church heating bill in Leicester.

Canon Barry Naylor, from St Andrew's Church, in Jarrom Street, said the cash was debited despite him pointing out an error in the bill.

He said that the problem arose because the company had recorded the meter reading incorrectly - this has since been confirmed by British Gas.

Canon Naylor said that he was told by a

representative from the firm that the church owed nearly £21,000.

He said: "I thought that couldn't possibly be right. Our usual Winter bill comes to about £1,000 and we only ever have the heating on a few days a week, but in the back of my mind there was always a worry.

"I explained that the meter, which began with a zero, was quoted as two on the bill, and that's where the problem could be, but despite this, several other phone calls and ignored emails later, the matter still wasn't being resolved.

"Finally, I was given the number of the firm's main complaints department by Citizens Advice and spoke to someone there. I told him I had a photo of the meter reading and he asked me to send it through.

"Within 10 minutes he told me the problem was the mix up between the zero and a two and the matter was resolved."

Canon Naylor said that after spending many hours on the phone he had hoped for a "miracle".

"It was incredibly frustrating and as I was waiting for a pacemaker to be fitted it really wasn't ideal."

The money has now been repaid and the correct bill is in the process of being issued.

Canon Naylor said: "A donation to the church for the problems caused would be very much appreciated."

Leigh Franks from British Gas said: "We should have acted immediately when Canon Naylor first raised concerns with us about the meter at St Andrew's church. We took a large payment in error, based on incorrect readings, which is totally unacceptable. We've now completed a thorough review of the account and put matters right. We've contacted Canon Naylor to apologise for any distress or inconvenience caused."

She added that British Gas would be offering him a gesture of goodwill. 

Eleven independently-owned petrol stations have closed in Leicestershire over the past five years, with bosses blaming the decline on competition from the major supermarket groups.

Data from the Petrol Retailers Association shows the number of independent sites – those not owned by supermarkets or oil suppliers – in the county fell from 84 to 73 between 2008 and 2013, a decrease of 13 per cent.

In the East Midlands, the figure dropped by 87, or 18 per cent.

Association chairman Brian Madderson said: "The biggest tragedy is the rise and rise of the big four supermarkets using fuel to try and bring people into their stores."

He said recent changes to planning policy meant more petrol stations were likely to be built by supermarkets.

Mr Madderson also said Government regulation of the industry was hitting independent petrol retailers hard.

Leicestershire is home to three of the UK's leading independent petrol retailers – MPK and HKS, of Leicester, and Brobot of Melton.

The weirdest, wackiest and most wonderful societies have been showcased at De Montfort University's Societies Fair.

This year's freshers' will have the chance to join clubs like the Harry Potter Society, who hold regular Quiditch matches; the Ultimate Frisbee team, who take the park game to the next level; or the Tea Drinkers, for anyone who just likes a brew .

Liam Hackett, 19, Head of the Gryffindor House in the Harry Potter Society, said: "Our aim is to bring together all of the Harry Potter fans at DMU.

"It's so important, as it allows people who perhaps aren't into sport to mix with people they already have something in common with.

"We have a sorting ceremony where we sort people into the houses. We even play Quidditch."

With 96 different societies on offer it's impossible not to find one that catches your eye.

If you're looking for something a little more physical there are 32 different sports societies to pick from, along with a few more unusual ways to work up a sweat.

Jaya Varsani, 21, Chair of the Bollywood Dance society, said: "It helps give us a chance to see our friends, keep fit and have a laugh learning something new.

"We do go on nights out, but we also do a lot of charity work.

"You don't even have to perform, it's more about learning together and socialising"

It's not all Bollywood dancing and Harry Potter though, with a lot of societies looking out for students wellbeing.

Lots of the societies teach new skills and offer students a chance to get involved in something new, like the Harajuku Society - for those who share an interest in Japanese street style.

Amy LeStrange, 26, who belongs to the society, said: "We offer trips to Harajuku conventions and run tutorials, to help beginners learn more about how to modify some of their own clothes into the Japenese style".

For those looking to try something a little more extreme, why not have a go at Skydiving.

Rachel Yates, 30, an education student said: "Since my first skydive I haven't been able to stop.

"I love it and after noticing that other universities had skydiving societies I helped set one up here.

"The adrenaline rush of the jump is amazing."

Adam Redfern, 21, Vice-President for Media and Communications at DSU, thinks societies are vital for meeting people at university.

He said: "There's a misconception that the union is just a night club, it's not.

"It's all about the student experience and the opportunity to make friends.

"Joining in is a great way to make friends and we encourage people to get involved.

"If someone comes along with an interest and wants to open a society, we give them the platform to do that."

Do you belong to an unusual society at university? Let us know, by commenting on this story or tweeting us: @Leicester_Merc

Leicester has a love for Indian food, according to a poll we conducted.

As part of Food Fortnight, which runs until October 5, the Mercury took to the streets of Leicester to find out what was our city's favourite dish.

Out of 100 people asked, more than 25 per cent of the votes was Indian cuisine.

Following closely in second place was British, with Chinese in third.

Italian and Mexican cuisine were up next, with Thai, Spanish, Carribbean, Nigerian, Vegetarian and Japanese also getting a few votes.

Countrywide, more than 2000 people were asked in an external survey by Travelzoo, what their favourite dish was.

In this case, British cuisine came in first position, with Indian in second place and Italian in third.

As such, we asked a host of people what their favourite British dish was.

Tony Thiedeman, 19, a journalism and media student, De Montfort University, said: "I just love how simple Fish and Chips are. You actually feel more British just by eating them, don't you? You can't get proper Fish and Chips anywhere else in the world so they get my vote."

Verity Kato, 20, an artistic makeup and Special effects student at De Montfort University, said: "My favourite dish is the Full English Breakfast as nothing cures a hangover better than a Full English."

Royston Higgs, 91, of Goodwood estate, Leicester, said: "My favourite British meal has to be Tripe and Onions. Not many people like it but I even had it for Christmas dinner last year."

Jasmine Jones, 19, artistic makeup and special effects student, at De Montfort University, said: "I've been brought up vegetarian and really like a Vegetarian roast dinner. I love that its a healthy and guilt-free vegetarian adaptation of a true British classic."

Ellen Barlow, 20, speech and language therapy student, at De Montfort University, said: "Lob Scouse and buttered bread is my favourite British dish. It's a delicious Welsh dish that's made of meat and vegetables and is so simple to make."

Chris Johnston, 42, of Leicester's West End, said: "Anything slow cooked over coals for as long as possible, I love BBQ, love it. If I'm after fast food though, you can't beat fish, chips and mushy peas."

Eilish Pick, 20, Wigston, a textiles student, at De Montfort University, said: "Indian is diverse for vegetarians and there are loads of really good places to eat. No other food has such a depth of flavour, I love it."

Beth Smith, 20, Newark, a journalism student, at De Montfort University, said: "I love Italian. I think it's great to be well cultured and Italian food is. It's something that everyone likes."

What's your favourite dish? Let us know by commenting on this story or tweeting us: @Leicester_Merc

The family of a father-of-four who died a car crash last week has urged a potential witness to come forward and shed some light on how he was killed.

Matt McKnight, 41, and Paul Jones, 54, from Market Harborough, died when their car left the A427 near Dingley, Northamptonshire, and hit a tree at about 5.30pm, on Friday.

The pair, who were pronounced dead at the scene, were passengers in the one car collision.

The driver and a fourth passenger were taken to hospital with chest and back injuries. Their conditions are not known.

Police are trying to trace a second car, which they believe was in the area at the time, as they believe the motorist could hold vital clues as to what happened before the collision.

Mr McKnight's partner Sarah Phillips has asked the driver of the vehicle to come forward.

Speaking to the Mercury, she said: "We would all be very grateful if the person would come forward.

"If they have any information about what happened we would urge them to contact the police and help them piece together what happened."

No details about the second car have been released.

However, the Mr McKnight's family said the driver would know who he or she was.

"We just want to know what happened," said another family member. "We want the driver of the car that was following their car to come forward – it didn't stop at the time and might have information which could help the police."

News of the tragic crash has devastated both families and sent shockwaves through the community.

Regulars at the Red Cow, in High Street, Market Harborough, have described the duo as "lovely guys".

Manageress Tracy Woodhouse said: "I was gobsmacked I only saw them on Tuesday – they were really well-known in the pub and it's hit everyone pretty hard here.

"I knew Matt a bit better - I knew them both because they're great regulars - but I've known Matt a bit longer.

"He was always happy and always talking the mickey out of me. But they were both lovely guys."

The darts team, which Matt and Paul were both part of, has cancelled its game tomorrow night and will be holding a small gathering instead to remember the pair.

"The lads will raise a toast and have a few drinks in their memory and I'll put on a bit of food," said Tracy.

Anyone with information about the crash can call Northants Police on 101, or Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174 615.

Fast food giant KFC has admitted that a ban on alcohol-based hand wipes in a Leicester branch was a 'misunderstanding'.

Bosses at the international chain have apologised after a customer who visited an outlet in St George's retail park was refused a hand wipe because staff said it was against the company's Halal policy.

Staff said this was because the wipes are soaked in an alcohol-infused liquid and alcohol is forbidden in the Muslim Holy book, the Quran.

However, KFC has now said this was not the case in any of their restaurants.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Our alcohol-based hand wipes are approved for use in all our restaurants, including those who are part of the Halal trial.

"There was a misunderstanding at the store in question, but the wipes are now being used again. We're sorry for the customer's experience."

Three-year-olds living in Leicester have more rotting teeth than any others in their age group in the country.

A survey published today (Tuesday) shows that on average more than one-third - 34 per cent - of children in the age group had three decayed teeth.

In some cases a particular type of decay called "early childhood caries" was found by the survey carried out by NHS England.

This affects the top front teeth and quickly spreads to other teeth.

It is also related to sugary drinks in baby bottles and sipping cups.

City health officials said that work is already underway to improve dental health there is "no quick fix."

A total of £490,000 has already been allocated to a Leicester City Council campaign to improve the health of all children's teeth.

Councillor Rory Palmer, deputy city mayor and chairman of the Leicester City health and well being board, said: "While these figures are of significant concern we are well aware of the challenge to improve dental health in Leicester.

"The nature of this problem obviously means that there are no quick fix solutions.

"It will require a long-term and determined effort and that's what we will do."

He said that 15,000 free toothbrushes have already been distributed to nurseries, schools, homeless hostels, food banks and dental practices.

Coun Palmer added: "Next year we will begin giving out free packs of toothbrushes and toothpaste to young children when they are six months, when they reach their first birthday and then at yearly intervals until they start school."

The survey, the first of its kind, looked at 373 children out of 4,901 aged three.

Dr Jasmine Murphy, specialist in dental public health at Leicester City Council, said: "The survey data is a stark reminder of the benefits of brushing our children's teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, limiting their consumption of sugary foods and drinks and taking them regularly to the dentist from an early age."

Coun Vi Dempster, assistant mayor for children and young people, said the council has supported supervised tooth brushing at city schools and nurses

She added: "It's really important that we support families to get into good habits when it comes to looking after your teeth because the pain of tooth decay is something that can easily be prevented."

In Leicestershire 18.6 per cent of 1,150 of 7,201 three year olds surveyed were found to have average of three rotten teeth.

It was the second highest figure in the East Midlands.

In Rutland the figure was 14.9 per cent and the lowest number of affected children in the East Midlands - 9.2 per cent were in Derbyshire.

Sandra White, director of dental public health at Public Health England, said: "Tooth decay is an entirely preventable disease which can be very painful and event result in a child having teeth removed under general anaesthetic which is stressful for children and parents."

Coun Ernie White, Leicestershire's cabinet member for health, said: "The causes of tooth decay in youngsters are well known and parents should avoid letting their children have too many sugary drinks and foods.

"Dentists can also take extra steps to help children older than three by having their teeth coated for free with a fluoride varnish every six months. This will also help to safeguard them from tooth decay.

"We will continue to do all that we can to provide parents, carers and professionals with the most up-to-date advice for how best to look after their children's oral health."

Social services bosses in Leicestershire will review the way they look to protect children from sexual exploitation following the Rotherham abuse scandal.

Officials at the Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Children Board are to look again at their practices in the light of a damning report showing the authorities in the South Yorkshire town had not listened to young women who were groomed and abused.

Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and family services councillor Ivan Ould confirmed the review after being asked for reassurances that the events uncovered in Rotherham had not been happening here too.

He said: "I have sought specific assurance regarding the experience of our children in care and the safeguarding of the wider children's population.

"We can never be complacent about the steps we take to protect children from harm and so, even though I am confident about the quality of our services, I will continue to challenge and seek re-assurance from the (social services) department about its work."

It emerged 1,400 young women were abused in Rotherham and the police and the council failed to act.

The safeguarding review in Leicestershire comes as police and crime commissioner Sir Clive Loader ordered a re-examination of child sexual abuse allegations dating back some 25 years.

Coun Ould did say a new unit had been set up with police and council staff to share information and resources to protect children from abuse.

In Rotherham it was established children were coming into contact with their abusers through the taxi trade and UKIP politicians have raised concerns about the risks here.

UKIP county councillor David Sprason has asked Coun Ould what steps have been taken to make sure young girls were never transported in taxis alone.

He also asked what steps had been taken beyond the required CRB checks of all drivers employed to transport youngsters.

Coun Ould said: "Female drivers and escorts are provided by the council where vulnerability is identified through risk assessment."

He said there were procedures in place for both girls and boys."

He said the safeguarding board last year launched a campaign to help parents and children spot the signs of abuse. A second phase of the campaign is focusing on businesses including taxi firms.

UKIP parliamentary candidate for Harborough Clive Langley is a former foster-parent who looked after children in the county's care.

He said: "The county council should make sure it always uses women drivers or at least has a chaperone but it doesn't do that because of the cost.

"I would like a full public enquiry into the actions of the local authorities and the police in Leicestershire in relation to concerns many of our citizens have following the scandal over child abuse in Rotherham and Rochdale.

"We must be certain that this type of thing has not gone on in Leicestershire in the past , nor continues to this day."

Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a breakthrough in the make up of a bacteria which is a major cause of death worldwide.

The study could help to unlock new information which can be used to improve vaccinations against pneumococcus infection.

It is estimated that the infection claims a human life every 10 seconds globally and it is the leading cause of serious illness.

Researchers have discovered six characteristics of the infection which can help in the development of specific vaccinations.

The team of researchers at the University of Leicester, working with international experts, have found a "genetic switch" controlling the disease which can cause pneumonia and other serious infections.

The bacterium is the leading cause of sinusitis, blood infections, meningitis, and middle ear infections, known as otitis media. Pneumococcal disease affects children and the elderly, and it is one of the leading infectious diseases worldwide.

The study, which has been published in the journal Nature Communications, was co-authored by Professor Marco Oggioni from the University of Leicester's Department of Genetics.

It has shown for the first time a genetic switch that allows this bacterium to randomly change its characteristics into six alternative states.

The discovery indicates the ability of the pneumococcus to cause deadly infections is different in each of these six states and each form is randomly generated as if the bacteria were playing dice.

Professor Oggioni said: "Facing a bacterial with six and more phase variable systems is like being simultaneously confronted with six different bacteria.

"It gives them an unfair advantage, but knowing the genetic basis now places us in an optimal position to reinvestigate drug and vaccine efficacy."

Mathematical analysis of the data to support the study was carried out by a team led by Alexander Gorban, Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Leicester's Department of Mathematics.

He said: "The study led to an interesting puzzle about statistics of relative positions of markers on DNA.

"It was our pleasure to modify the classical methods and to solve this puzzle."

The international research team included Prof Michael Jennings from Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics, Prof James Paton from the University of Adelaide and scientists from Pacific Biosciences.

Prof Jennings, Deputy Director of the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University, described the study as a significant breakthrough.

He added: "Each time this bacterium divides it is like throwing a dice.

"Any one of six different cell types can appear. Understanding the role this six way switch plays in pneumococcal infections is key to understanding this disease and is crucial in the development of new and improved vaccines."

Prof Paton, Director of the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases at the University of Adelaide concurred, added: "In this game of dice the stakes are very high, with each roll of the dice having a major impact on survival of either the bacterium or its human host."

Britain's Got Talent finalist Lucy Kay said she dreams of giving her mum "the life she deserves" following the release of her debut album.

The 25-year-old opera singer, who was born in Braunstone Frith, Leicester, released the 12-track CD, Fantasia, yesterday.

Her album comes just over three months after she appeared on ITV talent contest Britain's Got Talent - where she narrowly missed out on the top spot to vocal group Collabro.

"I want this album to transform not only my life but my mum's life," said Lucy, who has been branded the 'new classical voice of Britain' on the glossy television advert for her CD.

She told the Mercury: "I just want to make my mum proud of me.

"I want to one day re-pay her all the debt she got in to help me with my singing."

As a youngster, Lucy moved to Nottingham, where she was severely bullied by classmates.

"Working on the album was emotional at times," she said.

"I was put down so much as a child, I wanted to prove all of those bullies wrong.

"I'm not going to lie - I was singing every single track for them.

"They put me through so much, I hope they hear my songs."

Shortly after appearing on Britain's Got Talent in the summer, Lucy signed a multi-album deal with Sony Classical.

An overwhelmed Lucy said that since the release of her album, fans from across the country have been tweeting her words of praise and compliments.

"The words to describe my life right now are 'weird' and 'wonderful'," she said.

"I've been dreaming of this since I was just seven years old.

"I once looked at people like Charlotte Church - she was my inspiration - and now it's heart-warming to see people telling me I'm their inspiration.

"Everything feels just right now. I feel like everything I've fought for has paid off. I feel like this is how my life is meant to be."

The album is dedicated to choir teacher, Pamela Cook, who mentored Lucy through the early stages of her singing career. Pamela passed away around a year ago.

Lucy said: "This was both of our dream.

"She nurtured my voice and supported me but she passed away before she could see our dreams come true."

Lucy, who moved to Glasgow about four years ago to study at university, said the inspiration for the title of her album stemmed from the idea that becoming a successful singer seemed like a fantasy.

She said: "My dreams are coming true.

"For Sony to be interested in me was so unexpected.

"I couldn't have asked for more. It still feels incredible just thinking about it.

"I know I'm in such amazing hands with them. I feel honoured and lucky."

Fantasia is available to buy on Amazon for £9.99

Leicester City Council fraud investigators have accessed staff members' email and internet records more than 30 time since April last year.

The council's latest annual counter-fraud report says it sought permission 33 times to look at employees' computer use.

Investigators were looking into cases of cheque manipulation, counterfeiting, theft, employees carrying out private work on the city council clock or while on sick leave and corruption surrounding contracts and the misuse of council facilities.

The report said: "The (counter-fraud) team has made unannounced visits to council premises to secure evidence including data held on digital devices .

"Team members have interviewed employees, members of the public and contractors.

"They have liaised with police over potentially criminal matters."

The report does not give specific details of the results if the inquiries.

Police were called to two-car crash in Braunstone Town on Monday night.

The collision happened in Narborough Road South, just before 8.30pm.

A Toyota and a Mazda had collided, blocking the city bound carriageway.

Firefighters also attended the incident following a report that one of the cars was smoking.

Upon arrival, crews discovered neither car was on fire and nobody was trapped.

Nobody was injured. A road barrier was slightly damaged.

The road was closed for around an hour, before being re-opened just before 9.45pm. 

WW incident RTC Narborough Rd South vehicle made safe No persons trapped #verylucky#speedkills#Fatal4pic.twitter.com/1USA2Jyeuj

— Central Fire Station (@LFRS_Central) September 29, 2014

Education secretary Nicky Morgan has said her key priority is to reduce the burden on teachers so they can spend more time in the classroom.

The minister, who is also the MP for Loughborough, was speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this afternoon.

She told party supporters that she did not want children to be taught by tired, anxious staff who were up late into the night planning lessons.

"My first priority is to reduce the burden on teachers," she said.

She added: "I'm not going to pretend this will be easy. I have no great initiative today, but I'll work with the profession to find solutions and with the unions through a process of engagement.

"I'll be listening to what they have to say to craft a new deal."

However, in a move which might infuriate some in the profession, she thanked her predecessor, Michael Gove, for reforming the education system into one of great achievement.

Mrs Morgan said that standards had risen, discipline had been restored and that more children were attending good or outstanding schools.

She said the old "can't do" culture had been replaced by a "can do" attitude.

Mrs Morgan also said that despite criticism over the pace of educational change, she had no intention of slowing down and that free schools and academies had helped to bring about change and offer more choice to parents.

World Cup-winning lock Brad Thorn is set to make his Leicester Tigers debut against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday.

The former All Black arrived in the country last month nursing a torn bicep he picked up during his last season with the Highlanders.

But that injury has now cleared up and his likely selection in the match-day 23 is one of a number of players making a welcome return to action this weekend

Italian prop Michele Rizzo is also likely to make his first appearance for the club after joining this summer with a knee injury he contracted playing for his country in the Six Nations.

Centre Seremaia Bai will be back after a spell of concussion and it is "highly likely" that Samoan prop Logovi'i Mulipola should be back after missing the London Irish game to bolster what has been a very young front row.

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill said he was delighted to get some fit bodies back no the field.

"That will be four good bodies to stick back in the mix," he said.

There was bad news for lock Geoff Parling, however, as he has been ordered to take a month away from the game to recover from repeated concussion issues.

He will then spend a month being "re-integrated into training" and is likely to be back playing in December.

He will miss England's Autumn internationals as a result.

"Geoff saw the specialists last week and he will have a spell out of the game now," said Cockerill.

"It will probably be three or four weeks of doing nothing to let it settle down – and then he will be re-integrated into training before paying around December.

"He will be playing again – of that there is no doubt – and I need him back. But the important thing is that this is not a bump, bruise or strain. It's very serious and the club treat it that way. You have to see the bigger picture."

There will also be no return to action this week for either first-choice centre, Manu Tuilagi (leg) or Ant Allen (knee).

While Allen is expected to be out for another month before he returns, Tuilagi is set to return for next week's home game with Harlequins.

"We want to get Manu right and he is improving well, but not quite well enough to be able to play," said Cockerill.

"We know what is wrong with him but historically, most of the Pacific Island boys heal slowly. His bothers were the same.

"The Tuilagi gene is big and quick and nasty, they are just slow healers."