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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

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

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment 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 two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1