"Maybe it's time we started looking up and not down for a chance, worrying about who we've got to pass rather than who might pass us," the Trotters boss said after the game at the Valley.
"We've got Everton at the Reebok as our last home game of the season, and that could prove to have a huge amount riding on it.
"We've got a way to go yet, but of course a Champions League spot is still possible."