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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09