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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

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

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

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

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1