Cotterill has been left out of the last three Wales senior squads

Cotterill was dropped by John Toshack last season after the Wales manager said some of the squad's youngsters needed to get "re-focused".

But the Wigan striker impressed on his international return on Tuesday, scoring in the U21's 4-3 win in Sweden.

"David was excellent. From the minute he came into the squad on Sunday he has been a guiding light," said Flynn.

"At 19 he's one of the experienced Under-21 players and he proved why he's been in the senior squad with his attitude and commitment."

Cotterill brought Wales level with Sweden on 27 minutes when he found the bottom corner after fine work by Swansea's Shaun MacDonald.

The hosts then took a 3-1 lead in Halmstad when striker Ola Toivonen completed a first-half hat-trick, but goals from David Edwards, Sam Vokes and Joe Allen gave Wales a notable scalp.

Allen, who was awarded a new contract at Swansea City last week, was making his U21 debut at 17, while Vokes, also 17, was collecting only his second cap.

Wales also ended the game with a 16-year-old on the field in the shape of Cardiff City's highly-rated midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and Flynn feels the future looks bright for Welsh football.

"Joe did very well and having two midfielder players scoring goals was good to see," Flynn told BBC Wales Sport.