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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored 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 position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

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 welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1