Jess made 93 appearances for Forest from 2002 to 2005

Nottingham Forest youth team coach Eoin Jess believes his youngsters will benefit from playing on the City Ground pitch during their FA Youth Cup run.

His side bowed out of the competition at the fifth-round stage with a 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Jess told BBC Radio Nottingham: "To come and play at these stadiums is a great experience, whether it's the City Ground or anywhere else.

"You can see the ones that can rise to the big occasions."

A first-half goal from Middlesbrough-born Charlie Wyke was the difference, as the visitors progressed to the quarter-finals.

"I can't fault their endeavour or attitude, I haven't faulted that right throughout the season," Jess added.

"We just lacked that little bit of craft and that little bit of guile that was needed.

"They have to learn that they have to be patient but have to play with a little bit of pace when they get around the box.

"They did have more energy in the second half, especially at the start, but this is what they will learn, they need that extra bit of quality to get to where they want to be."

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