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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck 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 all Forest 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 doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, 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 step, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1