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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

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 reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in 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 campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes 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 Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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