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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

"This is another step, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1