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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team 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.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box 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 scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

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