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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League 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 top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games 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 observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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