Heimir Hallgrimsson believes his Ireland side are showing a level of growth that will bear fruit at a European Championships on home soil in two years' time.
At present, the torment of a penalty shootout defeat against Czechia on Thursday night remains at the forefront of the Boys in Green's minds.
However, when the dust of Prague eventually settles, Euro 2028 will begin dominating the long-term agenda.
Along with England, Scotland and Wales, the Republic of Ireland will co-host those next continental championships with Aviva Stadium among the nine slated venues.
The Irish side will still have to enter the qualification process. But will face a more forgiving bar of entry than usual due to their co-host status.
In his post-match press conference at the Fortuna Arena, Hallgrimsson had already spoken of the encouragement he had taken from his team's recent competitive displays.
But in the huddle outside the stadium's press room, he expanded further on Ireland's growth in light of what is to come in the summer of 2028.
"We have shown our supporters that we can compete and punch above our weight and we will grow, I think, as we play more games in preparation for the Euros," he said.
"It is sad now to talk about the Euros now, but that's our job now. We are on a journey and we are trying to improve. I think we have improved in a lot of metrics and we just want to continue doing that."
The head coach had also touched on improved metrics and statistics in the press conference room.
But he now outlined the specific areas where he felt advancements had been made in their most recent fixtures.
"Distance covered and sprints, it is metrics like XG (expected goals) and playing through opponents, metrics like opponents play less through us, plus punching above our weight. Winning three games in a row, hasn't happened for (the) Irish national team," he said.
"And to show the character again, four times in the last year, we have won games that we have been losing and you have to go 16 years back for the last time that happened. So, a lot of things are changing, mentally and on the pitch as well, hopefully (they) continue growing."
This campaign could end up being the final one in green for Séamus Coleman, although the 37-year-old did say that retirement was not something he is thinking about at present.
While the Everton club captain was part of Ireland's Euro 2016 adventure, the defeat in Prague has all but ended any dreams of gracing a World Cup.
His international manager expressed sympathy for Coleman and others who had seen their hopes dashed once again.
"I am not just especially sad for him, but just for everyone," Hallgrimsson said.
"They were so close to playing in a World Cup and just to have this game in the Aviva, it would have been special to play. He has given everything to this team in his life, massive respect to him like all the others."
He also praised Chiedozie Ogbene who belied limited first-team minutes for Sheffield United in the lead-up to Thursday's fixture by putting in an enterprising performance down the right flank.
"It is the same for him as for Séamus, playing 90 minutes plus. They are special, obviously they were tired in the end but they gave everything that they had and that is what I love about these players. They will give everything," he said.
"And for Chieo, he has been working as well as anyone according to the numbers and preparing for this game and he just showed he was ready for it today, he had a lot of runs aswell and they struggled against him. He had a really good match but he obviously tired in the end."
