Scot Gemmill praised new skipper David Watson and Hearts and Scotland starlet James Wilson after his Under 21s suffered a comeback defeat in Slovakia.
The young Scots took an early lead thanks to a fine goal from Bobby Wales and missed a string of chances, and they were made to regret those chances when the hosts fired in two second half goals to win it in Senec.
But boss Gemmill insisted it was a worthy exercise ahead of the opening Euros qualifiers in Czech Republic and against Portugal.
He said: "It was good to see the players because we need to see them playing at this level.
"In fairness, both teams could have scored plenty of goals if they had taken their chances.
"It's one thing to go and see players at their clubs, but it's another thing to see them actually play at our level.
"There's nothing better, nothing more revealing than that.
"I see the qualifiers as a continuation of these games. It's all about the players' development during their period with us.
"I think David Watson deserved to be captain. He's good within the squad and showed good leadership.
"And we know James Wilson is a really good prospect and he's worked hard and been rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke's squad.
"I am sure he will be annoyed he missed a couple of chances today, but it was good to give him some more fitness. It will be good for him to get that before he joins up with the full squad."
Scotland handed debuts to Wilson - who followed on from being the nation's youngest-ever international to the only player who has made their bow for the full squad before the Under 21s - as well as Celtic duo Mitchel Frame and Mitchell Robertson, Manchester United's Jack Kingdon, Taylor Steven of St Johnstone and Blackburn Rovers' Kristi Montgomery.
Killie's David Watson was handed the captain's armband for the first time and Wilson nearly made a dream introduction to this level when he cracked a cutback off the bar in the second minute.
The Scots took a deserved 11th-minute lead when Steven threaded through the perfect pass to the onrushing Wales and the newly-signed Swansea City striker converted with ease.
But Scotland could only hold out for a couple of minutes after the restart when Slovan Bratislava striker Alexej Maros slotted past Hibs keeper Murray Johnson, who had replaced McFarlane at the interval.
And the home nation snatched the winner with eight minutes left after sub Jakub Jokel curled in a fine finish to win it for Slovakia, who are hosting the European Under 21s Championships next month.
