Billy Davies was delighted the quality displayed by his patched-up Nottingham Forest line-up against European heavyweights Lyon last night.

The French side ran out 3-1 winners at The City Ground but boss Davies, who was unable to call upon no fewer than seven key players, still had reason to be satisfied.

Dele Adebola scored Forest's goal in the first half, briefly levelling matters after Lyon had taken an early lead.

And Davies told us: "I was pleased on the whole. We lost a couple of soft goals but we knocked the ball around well and showed some good quality at times.

"There were a few occasions when you could see we were a little bit rusty but it shouldn't be forgotten that we've got seven injured players, which is a huge loss to us.

"But great credit to the players - I thought their attitude was first class and their work ethic was first class. We could have asked for no more."

Lyon showed their class with two first half strikes from Bafétimbi Gomis - the man dubbed 'Baby Drogba' in France.

Jimmy Briand added a third for the visitors after the break and Davies added: "I said to the players at the end that's it apparent why they beat Real Madrid last season and why they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

"They are a quality side, with great experience and wonderful experience.

"We took this game on because we knew Lyon would keep the ball and show real continental style - and that's what they did. It was a fantastic exercise for our young players.

"They learnt about quality, about movement, about the first touch, about the sharpness and pace at which they play.

"For young players it's invaluable experience."