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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1