Milan, Hutchinson heading for his first start in the Rossoneri shirt: Amorim happy with the impact made by the former Nottingham Forest player

Omari Hutchinson will certainly get game time in the Europa League against Benfica: Amorim still has to resolve his final doubts but is tempted by the idea of starting the Englishman.

Eighteen minutes were enough to catch the eye of AC Milan fans and leave Ruben Amorim satisfied: Omari Hutchinson made a lively start in the Rossoneri shirt, producing a couple of promising flashes on his debut at the Olimpico against Rino Gattuso's Lazio. The Anglo-Jamaican, who arrived in the final days of the transfer window, is now pushing for a starting place in Milan's first Europa League match, when they host Portuguese side Benfica at San Siro on Wednesday evening, with kick-off at 9pm.

GOOD VIBES

Hutchinson made a positive first impression: lively legs, a couple of sharp moves cutting inside on to his left foot just as Amorim wants, and a long-range missile that Mandas kept out, all of it underlining the standout quality of the player they were after. Even in training, despite a shy and reserved character, Hutchinson is giving off good vibes. In terms of his attributes, he is a player who could carve out an interesting role in Amorim's project. His ability to operate in the half-spaces, working between the holding midfielders and Ramos, should not be underestimated.

First start

On Wednesday evening, unless there's a change of heart, Hutchinson will make his first start alongside Pulisic. Amorim trusts him and has already pointed out that he is in excellent physical condition, despite arriving last in the summer transfer window overseen by Cardinale-Amorim. During last week's presentation, Hutchinson revealed that Amorim drove his move to Italy: "I simply think the manager wanted me. I believe he spoke with the directors, they too were very interested, and it was quite simple because I played against Amorim in the match against Manchester United. I think he was really impressed by me and said he needed a player in that position who was left-footed; he said I fitted his parameters, so it was not too difficult. Since I arrived he has been helping me a lot, he speaks to me often: he has been truly exceptional with me".

Purchase option close to €50 million

Sources close to the club say Hutchinson had been in AC Milan's scouting department database for at least three years and once his candidacy was put forward by Amorim, Cardinale moved quickly to complete the deal with Nottingham Forest and with the agent Giuliano Bertolucci: the loan cost €3.5 million (with a further €500k in bonuses possible) while the non-compulsory purchase option is close to €50 million. Omari now has to start proving he is worth that figure tomorrow evening against Benfica.