Wigan boss Steve Bruce revealed he had endured a "terrible" weekend before his side beat Everton 1-0 to lift themselves back out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Bruce's men were dumped into the bottom three by several other sides picking up points while the Latics were forced to wait until Monday to play due to television scheduling.

But a 51st-minute strike from Henri Camara gave the Latics only their second home league win of the season and their first since beating Manchester City 2-1 almost two months ago.

Bruce said: "We are delighted that we got the points for obvious reasons.

"We've not kicked a ball all weekend and there was a terrible wait before our game.

"That was arguably one of our poorest performances if I am being brutally honest.

"But it was a great result and a great feeling to finally get another home win.

"The result was the most important thing on a night like this."

Bruce paid tribute to goal hero Camara, who replaced the ineffectual Olivier Kapo at half-time and needed just six minutes to guide home a low cross from Antonio Valencia, who nutmegged Joleon Lescott in the build-up to the goal.

It was the perfect fillip for Bruce after recent results raised fears of his side being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

The Latics are not out of trouble yet but this thoroughly deserved victory, in which midfielder Lee Cattermole was outstanding, was heartening for Bruce and no one was happier than Camara at the final whistle.

The nomadic forward, 31, spent the whole of last season on loan at West Ham but failed to score a single goal in a nightmare campaign.

Camara returned to the JJB Stadium in the summer and, having scored three times in the Carling Cup earlier this season, he finally found the net in the Premier League for the first time since scoring against Middlesbrough in December 2006.

Bruce said: "It was a great goal after a marvellous piece of skill from Antonio.

"I don't think Camara played at all last season for West Ham and I didn't even know he was coming back here in the summer.

"I was sitting on a sunbed and found out that Camara had another year. But I know he made himself a bit of a cult hero here a few years ago.

"We all know he's been here for around eight years, he's played at some big clubs and he's capable of getting a goal.

"I'm delighted with him."