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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence 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 headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off 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 Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

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

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

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

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

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09