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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

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

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09