Rhian Wilkinson spoke to the press ahead of Wales' games against Italy and Sweden in the Nations League in what promises to be the most important year in Wales Women's history.
Looking ahead to the campaign, the Wales boss conceded it would be tough playing in League A for the first time but said her charges needed to make the most of playing top opposition in preparation for this summer's European Championships.
Wilkinson said: "When we are at the bottom of League A and the top of League B, that's right where we are probably supposed to be. We need to make sure anytime we have the opportunity to play top opposition, like in League A, we make the most of that experience and that we're brave enough to play and to learn hard lessons.
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"It's a fine line between bravery and stupidity and something I need to make sure we're balancing but equally I'm really, really excited for the opportunity to show this team on the world stage and that's what we'll be doing in League A." Sign up to the Don't Take Me Home newsletter here.
Scarlett Hill, 17, is an unfamiliar name in the Wales squad that was named on Wednesday, playing for Manchester United Women in their age group sides. Hill has previously played for England U17s but is dual-qualified through her dad from Bridgend. Wilkinson described Hill as being an avid learner with courageous decision making.
She believed showing her the Welsh way would help convince her to represent Wales.
Wilkinson added: "I think everyone who works with the Welsh men and women knows there's a feeling in these camps that's hard to find in any other country and I back our environment and culture to demonstrate what it is to play for Wales. I don't need to say very much, I let the players do their thing, which is usually an arm around and welcome to the fold."
Hill is not the only uncapped Welsh player at Manchester United. Mared Griffiths came off the bench to make her United first-team debut in the FA Cup on Saturday and she capped the experience off with two goals. She's now banging on the door to make her international debut.
Wilkinson continued: "What an exciting moment for one of our young players who's been right on the cusp of earning her first cap. She's had this moment in the sun which is so nice to see, a young Welsh player getting some plaudits. I think she's got a long and wonderful future with the Welsh team."
One of the big positives for Wilkinson in this camp is the return of forward Elise Hughes. The out-and-out striker was out for almost nine months with an ACL injury but came off the bench on Sunday to mark her return to playing.
Rachel Rowe and Sophie Ingle do, however, miss out through injury. Ingle continues her recovery from an ACL injury, which Wilkinson said was going very well, while Rowe missed out with a small injury.
Looking ahead to Hayley Ladd's 100th cap milestone, the head coach heaped praise on her vice-captain and said she was pleased to see Ladd setting the mark for other players in moving clubs in search of minutes following Ladd's move from Manchester United to Everton.
"She's a great example of what we need from our players," Wilkinson added. "It's great to be at the biggest clubs but if you aren't playing, you aren't being pushed, your career doesn't continue to develop you as a player. She's showing all the Welsh players and the young players coming through you've got to fight for your career and for one of our leaders to demonstrate that is incredible."
Wales play Italy in Monza on Friday, February 21, before welcoming Sweden to StōK Cae Ras, on Tuesday, February 25.
