Relieved Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today stressed the “brilliant” crowd that united Molineux was the key to returning to winning ways.

Yesterday’s 3-1 victory over rock bottom Wigan was Wolves’ first in nine Premier League games but lifted them to 13th in the table before the international break.

The Molineux crowd turned against the boss in the two previous home league games, but McCarthy was delighted with the backing this time.

Asked what pleased him most about the victory, McCarthy said: “The fact that having taken the lead and conceded a penalty, there was a great togetherness about the place and we’ve got to have that – it was great.

“The crowd were brilliant. We conceded a penalty but they got the lads going and there was a great response.

“That’s what we all want – a Wolves team winning football matches.

“We’ve had one spat between us but they’ve been fantastic and it was as good an atmosphere as we’ve had for a long time.”

McCarthy admitted Hugo Rodallega’s miss 35 seconds before Jamie O’Hara scored Wolves’ first goal was a turning point.

“It was pivotal – Rodallega should have scored,” he said. “Had we gone behind, we don’t know how we’d have reacted.”

And he said victory was crucial, adding: “It was vital for us. It was needed because we’ve got Everton away next then Chelsea away. But who’s to say we don’t get something from those games?

“But the win does make the world look a lot shinier and happier for a couple of weeks.”

McCarthy singled out former Shrewsbury Town man Dave Edwards and the man who created his goal, Karl Henry, for their performances, adding: “Karl was brilliant.”