Vera Pauw continues to talk up the positives of the Republic of Ireland's week in Spain as they prepare to close out their Pinatar Cup campaign with a third-place play-off against Wales on Tuesday afternoon.
Having opened the eight-team tournament with a 2-1 win against Poland, Ireland missed out on a place in the final when Russia edged past them 1-0 on Saturday.
It has, however, been a productive period for Pauw's squad. The manager has made full use of her panel, bringing in some fresh faces while resting others.
It's a policy she will stick with for the Wales game, which has been moved from La Manga to the Pinatar Arena, kicking off at 2.30pm Irish time ahead of the decider between Belgium and Russia.
"We're looking forward to the game against Wales, which will close out a very productive week for our squad," said Pauw.
"Developing all of the players is part of our journey and makes us stronger overall with more options in every position that we know that we can rely on.
"This past week has been fantastic in adding to our development and the hard work put in by the players and the staff is key to that. Part of that is ensuring that we manage the load put on the players so that they do not pick up new injuries but also that they are given the required time to recover from previous injuries.
"That is why we did not risk Megan Campbell and why Chloe Mustaki will not feature against Wales, even though she did so well in our last game.
"It is so important that we follow the return to play protocols to safeguard the players' future and not take unnecessary risks. The players understand that and we continue to work with them so that we do not cause any further damage."
Goalkeeper Grace Moloney is out with a shoulder injury, but Heather Payne has overcome a groin problem and will be available.
Ireland have a good record against the Welsh; in 15 meetings they've only lost once. However, Pauw is keeping her focus on the bigger picture: the looming World Cup qualifiers.
"Our intention was always to use this week to work hard on what we will need to call on when we play Sweden in our next World Cup qualifier in April.
"The performances against both Poland and Russia were very good and it was particularly crucial that we got to have a closer look at many players in the Russia game.
"We will not underestimate Wales but we look forward to playing another good game and focusing on our key objectives."
Republic of Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)
Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Manchester United), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United), Chloe Mustaki (Shelbourne)
Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Rangers), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)
