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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 triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

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

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

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing 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 turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09