Jamie O'Hara's opener for the Molineux side was cancelled out by Ben Watson, following up his own saved penalty, before second-half goals by David Edwards and Stephen Ward clinched victory.

It was Wolves' first win in nine games and doomed the bottom-placed Latics to an eight successive loss.

McCarthy told Sky Sports 1: "We've been struggling of late and to get three points off our competitors at the bottom is important, it's a great result."

McCarthy has been subject to abuse by some fans and he paid tribute to his team.

"I think the players go about their jobs in a right and proper manner and they did that again today.

"I am delighted for the players - we've all been getting a bit."