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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 their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker 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' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

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.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09