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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came 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 Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place 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 scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, 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 Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1