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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1