Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

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 City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1