Sunderland boss Steve Bruce felt Fraizer Campbell's early goal was key to his team's resounding 4-0 win over Bolton at the Stadium of Light.

Campbell nipped in to score inside the first minute as the Black Cats secured their first league win since November at the expense of a Bolton side who played some decent football without creating too many chances.

Darren Bent scored a crucial second just after the hour and went on to add two more as he underscored his claims for an England place with his first treble haul for Sunderland.

The damage could have been heavier but for a fine save from Jussi Jaaskelainen in the final minutes, leaving Bruce delighted as his side moved up to 13th in the Barclays Premier League.

"We've been trying to stay positive and trying to keep our spirits up as it's been a long, long time," he told SAFC TV.

"It's been close a few times but the win was resounding when it came. It gives everybody a lift after a difficult time.

"I'll certainly learn from it. The players deserved it today as they were excellent from start to finish. We're getting a few back and it shows.

"We looked a bit more like it again, which is pleasing. We got the start we wanted and Fraizer can always nip in with a goal, which he did for us.

"Winning 4-0 in the Premier League doesn't happen very often and it's good to win again. It was good to see the lads performing and playing with that freedom with the shackles off towards the end. They got their rewards today."

More than 36,000 fans roared the Black Cats to victory and the final whistle sparked joyous scenes amongst a home faithful starved of results during a trying winter period.

And Bruce thanks the supporters for their backing after seeing his side end their winless run, saying: "It can't have been easy for the fans over a long, difficult winter and we rewarded them tonight.

"I thank them again, they have been brilliant and I'm delighted we gave them something to shout about."