At times we looked a bit rusty but our attitude and work ethic was first class Billy Davies

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies said his side gained "invaluable experience" from their 3-1 pre-season friendly home defeat against Lyon.

The French top-flight side showed their class to ease to victory but Davies was pleased with his side's efforts.

"It was a fantastic exercise for our young players," Davies told BBC Radio Nottingham. "They are a quality side.

"It's a great learning curve to play against a European club of that stature. It's invaluable experience."

Dele Adebola grabbed Forest's only goal but Lyon always seemed in control.

"You can see why they beat Real Madrid and why they got to the semi-final of European tournaments," Davies added.

"They have great experience and wonderful ability.

"We took this game on because we knew they would come here, keep the ball and show us real continental style and that's what they did.

"I was pleased, we lost a couple of soft goals but we knocked it around well and showed some good quality.

"At times we looked a bit rusty but great credit to our players, their attitude and work ethic was first class."

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