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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"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 good step."

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

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism 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 reaction," added Dyche.

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

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09