Garde excited by Lyon youngsters

Lyon coach Remi Garde predicted a bright future for a number of the club's youngster after they impressed in the UEFA Europa League victory over Ironi Kiryat Shmona. With Les Gones having already secured their place in the next phase prior to their meeting with the Israelis, Garde rested several senior members of his squad, but it did not affect the result as they won 2-0. The victory was far from straightforward, though, with home keeper Anthony Lopes, 22, needing to be in top form. Nineteen-year-old Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr put Lyon in front early on before Yassine Benzia, 18, doubled their advantage in the second period as Ligue 1 leaders Lyon maintained momentum before the weekend derby with Saint-Etienne Garde told L'Equipe: "Overall, it was obviously a positive evening. We won and we did not concede, even though there were some sticky situations and a few stops from Anthony Lopes, who had the opportunity to show his talent. "There wasn't much at stake but there is a very important match on Sunday. And if the young players who played tonight appear to have the quality they will be in the squad. Nothing is fixed. "I loved the carefree attitude of some of them. They all have quality but they need time. If they keep the right attitude, they showed that they have a future at the highest level." From : Fifa