Leicester City new-boy Gary Taylor-Fletcher 'will be a big player for club'

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."