MICHAEL Smith, a two-goal hero from Town’s epic play-off win over Sheffield United on Monday, is gagging to get some competitive action at Wembley.

The Geordie hitman was cup-tied for his only other opportunity to appear at the home of English football, as Town boss Mark Cooper led Darlington to FA Trophy success in 2011.

Cooper let the then-19-year-old Smith warm up with the other Quakers’ players even though the striker would not be able to take part.

Having led the line so well and scored two goals in the semi-final, Smith must be hoping he has done enough to keep his place in the starting XI for the big game.

Getting so close to achieving the boyhood Wembley dream has left Smith very eager to finally achieve it, especially with his chance coming on a bigger stage.

“I went to Wembley with Darlington. I was cup-tied at the time, the gaffer let me get my kit on and have a kick about on the playing surface, but not actually played so I’m looking forward to it,” he told the local media.

“I think this time it will be completely different. I can’t remember how many fans were there for the FA Trophy, but I can imagine there will be a lot more there for the play-off final.”

Town have now got a long run at the play-off final and the players will be back in training tomorrow to prepare.

Smith believes that time to plot and the size of the Wembley pitch will play into Swindon’s hands.

“I think the Wembley pitch will suit us, it’s a massive, massive pitch,” he added.

“We’ve got two days off now, so we’ll go home and reflect on it, come back in and go again on Thursday.

“We’ve got a long time to get on the training ground and work on us.

“(The preparation time) maybe swung (the semi-final) in our favour. We were very confident going into the two legs.

“We beat Sheffield United 5-2 at home so we knew we had it in us to beat them, as we do of Preston.

“The 3-0 defeat up at their place doesn’t do any justice to us, obviously we changed the team completely.”