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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 City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming 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 place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1