Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in 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 soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge 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 match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with 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 impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09