Nottingham Forest loanee Omari Hutchinson played his first 90 minutes for AC Milan in the Europa League in midweek

On-loan Nottingham Forest winger Omari Hutchinson is eager to build on his first full 90 minutes for AC Milan after being “hungry” to show what he can do.

The 22-year-old has barely featured for the Serie A side since joining from the Reds in August. Italian reporters had suggested it was time for Hutchinson to take his chance, following an injury to Alexis Saelemaekers - and the wide man certainly did just that on Thursday night.

Sempre Milan described Hutchinson as “one of the standout players” in Milan’s 4-0 Europa League thumping of Red Bull Salzburg. The former Ipswich Town man assisted his team’s opener in the 15th minute and also played a part in their second goal as he caused the hosts problems throughout.

"I was just hungry to play. It's been a long time since I've got a full 90 minutes,” Hutchinson said afterwards.

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"I really enjoyed myself, and I think a lot of the boys did. I just want to keep carrying on this form.

"I think we needed that. We have been playing well in the games but we haven't been clinical in front of goal. Today, we showed that.

"The manager wanted that from the team. He said we've been doing well but we just needed to finish off games and score goals. We've done that.

“For me personally, it was another step forward. I’m really happy with my performance and I just want to keep it up, maintaining this level.”

Having played on the right in the midweek clash, Hutchinson was asked about his favoured position. He replied: “For me, it always depends on the game. Sometimes you get a lot of touches in the centre, sometimes you get the ball out wide. To be honest, I really like playing wide, but honestly, I just want to stay on the pitch, wherever I get to play.”

Milan boss Ruben Amorim played a key role in Hutchinson’s switch to Italy. The former Manchester United manager had used the Forest loanee sparingly up until Thursday night but has insisted he still has a part to play.

Asked post-match about players such as Hutchinson, who were given an opportunity after limited minutes earlier in the season, Amorim told Football Italia: “They are part of the squad.

“It’s impossible to always play with the same players. It’s important to rotate. There are some risks with that, but I try to do what’s best for the team.

“The most important thing for the team is that everyone is aware that they can play and that they can lose their place. That’s why I need 22 competitive players all year round. Games like these help them believe in themselves more. I’m thinking about the young players, but also (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek, who showed much more aggression today.”

Hutchinson is set to spend the remainder of the season with Milan. The Italian outfit have a reported €40 option to buy included in the deal, although recent reports have suggested it is uncertain whether that will be taken up.

Prior to Thursday night, Tuttomercatoweb addressed the need for Hutchinson, and others, to step up in Saelemaekers’ expected lengthy absence. They insisted after a “costly” transfer window, it was time for “an answer” from the club’s summer recruits.

Singling out Hutchinson and Diego Moreira, the Italian publication said: “Milan has invested in them, partly with squad depth in mind, and the time to truly test them has come.”

Hutchinson had played a total of 63 minutes across three appearances for Milan prior to Thursday evening. His only other start for the club came in last month’s Europa League victory over Benfica.