Yates reveals Europa League belief as Dyche hails 'good signs'

Nottingham Forest believe they can go all the way Europa Leaguesaid captain Ryan Yates after Sean Dyche's men ended their Championship stage campaign with a 4-0 rout of Ferencvaros.

A Bence Otvos own goal, an Igor Jesus brace and a James McAtee penalty gave Forest a comfortable victory at the City Ground, although it was not enough to seal a place in the top eight and automatic progression to the last 16.

It was a performance that stood in stark contrast to Forest's 1-0 defeat to Braga last week and followed a key 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford.

Forest will face Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos in the elimination round.

Despite adding two more games to their potential route to the final, the Forest camp are confident of their ability to qualify for the Istanbul showpiece.

Asked about their display, Yates told TNT Sports: “Exactly what was needed.

“We're off to a good start, this man [Igor Jesus]clinical as always. It's a good night. A few changes and we just needed that confidence throughout the group.

“We think we can go all the way.”

Forest face Crystal Palace on Sunday in another huge Premier League match against a team who could soon be sucked into the relegation zone.

“Quickly back into games and we need to recover well,” Yates said. “We had a good performance today.

“We didn't save it, so we have to [in the next game].”

Manager Sean Dyche praised his players, with the former Burnley and Everton boss clearly encouraged after a game in which Forest could have won by a greater margin.

“It hasn't been easy because of the different games, the schedule, the planning, the travel and all that kind of stuff,” Dyche told TNT Sports. “To come out of a disappointing period at Braga and then deliver this, I’m very happy.

“In all these games, especially in the Premier League, if your frame is not good you can open up, but it's also important to play with freedom. There have been good signs recently and good signs tonight.”