But after the game, one of the goalscorers, Jason Roberts revealed that eyes were looking forward to Europe rather than relegation.
Roberts told ESPN: "Today we said we were looking to win the game and look up towards Europe. We don't want to be looking behind our backs.
"It's going to be tough but it's better looking up than down."
The first goal came from £6million signing Nikola Kalinic four minutes before the break, and second-half strikes from Roberts and Gael Givet ensured Rovers claimed their fourth successive home league win.
Roberts added: "That's the key thing - our away form hasn't been great, we need to improve that, but if we can keep picking up points at home we'll be okay."
Rovers manager Sam Allardyce added: "It's our biggest win of the season and we've been threatening for a long time on chances created.
"We had to withstand a bit of pressure from Bolton in the second half but we did that and did it very well.
"We got a clean sheet and three goals and sent the fans home very, very happy.
"We can look up instead of down now and see how high we can finish."