JAY Spearing and Zat Knight made an unwitting movie debut at the Reebok to help a group of Bolton film-makers.

Following in the footsteps of Shameless star Ciaran Griffiths, who helped compete the award-winning short “Mr One Million”, the Bolton Wanderers pair got in front of the cameras to speak about their experiences of being a father in their latest project.

The experience may have taken them out of their comfort zone but Spearing — who was followed around as part of Channel 5’s Being Liverpool documentary last summer — was happy to take part.

“That was slightly different because there was 30 lads in the squad and they followed us round 24-7,” he said. “This was just focussed on us.

“It was all a bit of fun, though, and only half an hour, so I hope they took a little bit from it. It doesn’t matter who you are, kids are kids. We were talking as dads in there and for any of the lads who might become one, then I hope the stuff we passed on can be of some help.”

Spearing, who has a young daughter, Freya, and Knight, who has a son, Kai, talked with the group of a dozen young men aged 18 to 30, who are all unemployed.

The Mr One Million group meet weekly and enable the young men to gain new creative skills and network with people in similar circumstances to themselves.

Their work has already picked up a Pride of Bolton award and also finished runner-up in the Northern Silver Screen Awards.

Knight admits he will not be applying for an Equity card just yet.

But he got involved with the plot, which revolves around a down-on-theirluck five-a-side team.

“I wasn’t too keen on acting — that’s not really my thing,” he said. “But it was good to speak with a few of the lads and hear their experiences.

“Growing up, a lot of my friends were in similar circumstances to these guys, so I get where they are coming from.

“It's good to see they are working together to do something positive and enjoy themselves as well.”