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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09