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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 comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place 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 guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1