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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief 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 headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1