Don Givens believed the Republic of Ireland's stunning victory over Switzerland in last night's final Under-21 Euro 2004 Championship qualifier would have a positive impact on the nation's hopes at next month's World Youth Championships.
Fourteen players in Givens' 18-strong squad are eligible for the tournament, which take place in the United Arab Emirates in November and December, and the experience they gained during the 2-0 win over their Swiss hosts in Neuchatel will prove invaluable.
While every player can hold his head high after last night's performance against a Swiss team who had already won Group 10 with six wins and a draw, it was Bolton striker Jon Walters who stole the show with both goals.
"I've wanted him in the squad for a while but he kept getting injuries and his performance showed he will be a huge asset in the future," said Givens.
"He is a natural goal scorer, as is Stephen Elliott, so we're very strong in that department looking ahead to the next qualification campaign.
"We also kept a clean sheet, which is particularly pleasing - especially as three of the defence are eligible next year.
"A lot of that team now go to the World Youth Championships with more experience and when they come back to the under-21s next year, we will have a very good side."
Walters is unaccustomed to being in the limelight but after last night's debut double he had better start getting used to it.
"I am delighted to get the two goals because as a striker it's my job," he said. "It's a dream start for me with Ireland and I hope that I can get in the under-20 squad for the World Youth Championships."
Walters made it a very happy return to Neuchatel for under-21 boss Givens, who was also celebrating being awarded a new two-year contract.
Givens played for the final eight years of his career at Neuchatel Xamax, and when he retired in 1987 he went on to coach the club for two years.
So it was an emotional return to the Stade de la Maladiere for the former Republic striker as his experimental young team blitzed the Swiss with Walters' headers after 61 and 74 minutes, and now he can look forward to returning to Dublin and signing his contract.
