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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort 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 that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive one."

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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 scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That 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 visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09