Giovanni Trapattoni has said that Wednesday's 1-1 draw with England will prove to be an invaluable experience for the Republic of Ireland's younger players.
The Ireland boss believes that the match at Wembley was the ideal way to prepare for next month's game against European champions Spain.
"England are one of the strongest three, four or five countries in the world," Trapattoni told reporters.
"I look at my group, and three or four are young. They need experience. Only against a great team and great players can they grow.
"I am happy from what I saw from James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman. Shane Long was clearly the best on the pitch."
Ireland are now unbeaten in four games.
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