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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed 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 home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

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

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09