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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post 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 broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos 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 arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. 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."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1