MICHAEL O’Halloran wants to show he has more than just text appeal.

The young striker sent Owen Coyle a message to tell him he was available during Wanderers’ injury crisis over Christmas.

The Bolton boss was down to just 15 fit players after giving the reserves and academy players the festive period off.

But O’Halloran contacted Coyle to tell him he was available and, impressed by his fellow Scot’s attitude, he took up his offer and named him among the substitutes for the third-round FA Cup victory over York City.

The 20-year-old, who has shone in the second string’s four-game unbeaten run, never got on and is unlikely to be involved against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow. But he is now hoping his form – not his phone – will help him force his way into Coyle’s plans before the end of the season.

“The manager gave us Christmas off but I said I was available,” said O’Halloran. “I just put myself forward and he thought it was good that I was keen, enthusiastic and wanted to play in the first team.

“It was a good experience even though I never got on. It was good to be a part of it.

“If the game had panned out differently then maybe I would’ve got my chance but we didn’t score until late on and I didn’t get on.”

Scot O’Halloran joined Wanderers from Celtic in 2007 and is in the final year of his contract.

The former Celtic trainee has been one of the reasons behind the reserves’ resurgence in 2011, helping John Henry’s side win three of their last four games after a dreadful first half of the season.

He said: “Our form has been a lot better since Christmas and we’ve started getting a few points on the board.

“We played well before Christmas but just weren’t getting the wins.

“I’m happy with how it’s going and hopefully, if I keep working hard, I’ll be more involved in the first team.

“I’m looking to push on and win a new contract now.”