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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

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

Napoli striker 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 thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1