The U21's have only lost twice in the last 10 matches with the most recent game a 4 - 3 win in Sweden.
This from a team that went 26 matches without a win over 6 seasons.
"Tonight is an important game for us, we need to put on a good performance against a really impressive French side," said Flynn
"They have great quality, as all young French sides do, so David will be of more benefit to us than he would be sitting and watching the seniors."
David Cotterill may be playing his last game for the U21's. The Wigan striker was dropped to the U21's from the senior squad by John Toshack but Flynn thinks he will bounce straight back.
"This will probably be the last time we see David at this level," said Flynn.
He has impressed me with his attitude after being sent back to the Under-21s by Tosh.
"There has been no sulking, he's got on with his job and I have told Tosh that. There was no point in including him in the senior squad to play Germany, he would have just sat on the bench.
"But he needs games and we need him against the French."