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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just 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 good one."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six 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 place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily 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 Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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