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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

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

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, 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 one."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.

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

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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