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

"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."