JEFF SMITH, the Bishop Auckland postman turned Premiership player, is desperate to show his parents what they missed when their car trouble denied them the chance to see his big day.

Former Hartlepool United midfielder Smith impressed in making a rare appearance for Bolton Wanderers against Sunderland on Saturday - but his mum and dad were more than 100 miles away at the time.

Sandra and Terry Smith's car failed to start when they tried to set off from their North-East home, so the 22-year-old now wants to give them a video of the FA Cup third round tie.

He said: "My parents phoned in the morning to say they couldn't make it because the car had broken down.

"They've got a video of the game I played against Sheffield United and I'm trying really hard to get them a video of this match.

"It will be something else for them to watch because I think they're bored of the Sheffield United game!

"I'm on a real high and now I'd love the chance to play at the Stadium of Light, being from the North-East."

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce reckons Smith has a big future after he took time adjusting to life in the top flight at the Reebok Stadium.

He worked as a postman and played for Bishop Auckland in the UniBond League after he was released by Hartlepool.

Allardyce said: "Jeff's problem has been getting used to the aura of being at a Premiership club. It was a huge step up from non-league football.

"He's lacked a little bit of belief in himself but hopefully this performance has convinced him he's good enough.

"If he continues to play like that, there's no question that he's good enough to play in the Premiership.

"It was an outstanding performance with some quality balls into the box, and he showed a lot of energy up and down the left flank."