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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes 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 broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net 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 campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1