Gibbs-White fires first career hat-trick as Forest crush Burnley 4-1, sends bold England message to Tuchel | OneFootball

Morgan Gibbs-White sent a message to England manager Thomas Tuchel after scoring a hat-trick in Nottingham Forest's 4-1 win over Burnley.

The midfielder scored the first hat-trick of his career as Forest fought back from a goal down to boost their survival hopes at the City Ground.

Gibbs-White reacted quickest to a misplaced clearance to slot home the equaliser, before brilliantly volleying in Omari Hutchinson's cross to score a second.

His third was, arguably, the best of the lot, as Gibbs-White planted a perfect header past Martin Dubravka to claim the match ball.

The treble made it six goals in sixPremier League games for Gibbs-White and 15 for the season in all competitions. His 12 goals in the Premier League mean the midfielder is the joint-highest scoring Englishman in the division this season, alongside Brighton forward Danny Welbeck.

Having been overlooked for the England squad in March, Gibbs-White is knocking on the door for World Cup inclusion.

"A massive three points. We knew how important this game was coming into it," Gibbs-White reflected toSky Sports at full-time.

"The first half was a bit nervous, tense. The words from the gaffer was to give it everything out there, whatever will be will be. They boys came out fighting, took our chances when we needed to and controlled the game.

"The first [chance] I was a bit erratic, I knew for the second one to take a touch and be a bit more composed. When the third went it, it was a delight. My first career hat-trick. I am over the moon, but more importantly we got the win and we have that gap."

Forest boss Vitor Pereira praised the performance of his captain, whose form has lifted Forest's hopes of beating the drop. Forest are now five points clear of Tottenham in the final relegation position.

"He is leading by example. I know a lot of [captains] that speak and speak but it proves nothing. I didn't feel he was his best level in the first half but he did fantastic in the second half."