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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"That was another step, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09