Gerard Nash was left disappointed by Aston Villa’s exit in the FA Youth Cup fourth round.
The Under-18 Professional Development Coach saw his team defeated 4-1 by Southampton at Villa Park on Tuesday afternoon.
Nash feels the group will learn lessons from the loss once they’ve come to terms with the result.
“We’re disappointed to be out of the competition and missing out on further opportunities for the players,” he said.
“Congratulations to Southampton; they deserved their victory today. I’m really disappointed.”
Nash added: “The further they go in their careers, they’re going to play in high-pressure games. You want them to be back here playing for the first team at some point in their careers.
“They’re high-pressure games and events for these young players, and, on the day, Southampton performed better than us.
“We need to reflect on the game and use it as a positive to make some improvements and ensure they get to first team level. That’s what it’s all about.”
After edging the first half and leading 1-0 at the break, Saints took control with three more goals in the space of 19 second-half minutes.
Omari Kellyman pulled one back for the hosts, and Nash felt it was reward for the winger’s work ethic this season.
He said: “I’m really pleased for Omari; he’s a young player who has had a lot of injuries over the past six months.
“He’s someone who’s taking ownership of his development and really driving that. I’m pleased for him to finish the game strongly and get that goal.
“Unfortunately it was a consolation rather than a goal that would have had the importance we would have wanted it to.”
