JEFF Smith was the star man at the Reebok and admitted he was already looking to have another crack at Sunderland in the replay.

Although not certain of selection in the return fixture, his exciting left wing performance will surely have earned him another first team chance.

And the Middlesbrough born hero of the afternoon, who was rejected by Sunderland as a youth, admitted that going into the game there were a few old scores he fancied settling.

He said: "I don't like Sunderland or Newcastle to be honest, so it would have been nice to have beaten them.

"I had a trial with Sunderland when I was younger but was never offered anything so it was nice to prove a point on Saturday.

"I've never played at the Stadium of Light before, but it is a magnificent place. There will be a decent crowd there so, if selected, it is something to look forward to. I'm sure a few members of my family will want tickets."

Smith arrived at Bolton from Bishop Auckland in 2001 but has had few chances to impress in the First Division or Premiership.

Indeed the former postman went out on loan to Macclesfield last season as he admits that he struggled to adjust to life with a top club after his non-league days.

He said: "Any player thrives on confidence and it was a big jump to make. But I definitely feel that I have grown in the last year or two since I arrived here.

"When I first came here it was strange. I'd watched big games on the television but I never thought I'd be involved myself.

"I had already had a try at professional football with Hartlepool and it did not work out, so I always thought I would be down at the bottom."

Smith was one of several players, including Akin Bulent, Danny Livesey and Nicky Hunt, who were given a rare chance to prove themselves to Allardyce.

Although he enjoyed his run out in the makeshift Wanderers cup side, Smith is hoping to be given the opportunity to repeat his heroics in the league against Fulham.

He said: "There are a lot of people in the dressing room who have been asking the manager when they are going to get the chance to play.

"The manager let us have a go and everyone had to prove a point.

"I'd like to think that I could be considered for Fulham, I would be disappointed if I was not involved in the squad in some way."