JUSSI Jaaskelainen believes Bolton Wanderers can qualify for the Champions League, if they can only find the consistency that has eluded them for much of the season.

A return to the UEFA Cup is now a short-odds bet after a weekend that saw the Whites strengthen their position in the Premiership's top five.

But they are only two behind fourth-placed Arsenal, with everything to play for in the 12-match run-in.

And Jaaskelainen is convinced they can rise to the challenge.

"We just have to keep working hard and, hopefully, that European place will come," said the Finland international keeper after Nicolas Anelka's ninth goal of the season secured a 1-0 at Watford to end a miserable run of four games that delivered just two points.

"You never know. If we can play to our best and keep playing that way, we have a chance to push or the Champions League, definitely.

"The only thing we are missing is consistency in our performances. Hopefully, we can now kick on and give ourselves at least half a chance to get there."

No-one at the Reebok is getting carried away, since the narrow win against rock bottom Watford was their first in five league games.

But, with a wretched January behind them, they are refusing to give up on a top four finish.

Sam Allardyce, who feared that even a UEFA Cup spot could slip away if the rot wasn't stopped, admits it is probably asking too much of his team to top the 65 points he reckons is the minimum required to qualify for a place in Europe's premier club competition.

Given the choice, he would prefer lifting the FA Cup and securing a place in Wembley history - emulating the 1923 Wanderers - than qualifying for the Champions League. But, after a morale boosting first Premiership win of 2007, he sees no reason why Wanderers should not continue to keep the pressure on Arsenal, whose hectic schedule of domestic and European matches includes a Fourth Round FA Cup replay at the Reebok on Wednesday week.

"Bolton Wanderers qualifying for the Champions League would be the equivalent of Chelsea getting 120 points and winning the title by 40," Allardyce said.

"We're going have to go some to achieve it, but there are 12 games left and a lot of points to play for.

"It wasn't a pretty game but that was a crucial three points on Saturday, a great morale-booster for the lads and, hopefully, they can now go on an undefeated run."

Anelka, who was not expected to play at Watford after aggravating a calf injury in last Wednesday's demoralising 1-1 draw with Charlton, was delighted to put Wanderers back on track with his 62nd minute match winner.

"We needed to win the game to give us some impetus after a disappointing start to the year," the French striker said. "We are now back and the win has lifted confidence in the camp."