Micheal O'Neill insisted that his side are still improving, in spite of ending their Nations League campaign by being relegated.
Northern Ireland host Austria in the competition at Windsor Park on Sunday, knowing when the it returns, they will be playing in Group C, having not earned a single point during their spell in Group B.
Nevertheless, their manager feels that the team has shown enough quality to perform well in the next phase of the competition.
In an interview with 'Sky Sports News' O'Neill said: "Despite the fact the three games have gone against us, we were disappointed to lose the games but I'm not devastated or despondent."
He continued: "We're progressing, those boys are stepping up in international football and playing against a lot more experienced players. I've been delighted with how the players have come in. We've got good competition for places in a lot of areas on the pitch, at times we haven't had that."
O'Neill also spoke of his selection headache for the two upcoming matches, highlighting: "I'll pick a team to win the game. We'll be cautious to an extent, we don't want to lose players. A Thursday-Sunday double-header is a challenge but, equally, a lot of players haven't played a lot of club football and they want the games."
He concluded:"They want the football and they have to get accustomed to playing double-headers. I'll pick a team to win the game but I won't take unnecessary risks."