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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender 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 came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box 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 could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel 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 step."

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

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09