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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

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

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

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

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty 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 Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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