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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys 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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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in 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 switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1