Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford left-back Jose Holebas has been left out of the last two match-days squads because his performances in the opening weeks of the season were not good enough.

The Greek international joined the Golden Boys this summer - following a somewhat complex transfer - from Italian side Roma and started three of the Hornets’ first four Premier League fixtures.

However, Flores has used winger Ikechi Anya at left full-back in the previous two games with Holebas watching on from the stands.

And Watford’s head coach says the 31-year-old - who kept Ashley Cole, England’s most-capped left-back, out of the Roma side last season - must work harder if he wants to return to the Golden Boys side.

The Spaniard said: “Holebas is trying to improve. I used Holebas in the first few matches at left-back but his performance wasn’t enough for him to stay in the first XI.

“It is very easy for me. If I don’t think it is enough I need the player to train harder and understand everything.

“So Anya is playing left-back and a lot of times I think he has been man of the match. He has been one of our best players since the start of this season.

“It doesn’t matter if he is left-back, midfielder or left winger. Anya is one of the best players in the team so it is impossible to not select him.

“Holebas is working and fighting to get back into the first XI. I like that. I want the players to fight [for their place].”

Flores was asked how Holebas felt at being replaced in the Hornets side by Anya.

He replied: “I think Holebas understands because he is an experienced player. Maybe when he arrived at Watford he thought it would be easy to play here.

“But the level of our team is high and the level of competition for positions is hard. That is good for us. Holebas is fighting with Anya and Ake. The competition in that position is very high.”

Anya, who has been called-up to the Scotland squad for their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Poland and Gibraltar next week, it out of contract at Vicarage Road next summer.

Rumours have surfaced once again in the past week that Celtic are eyeing up a move for the 27-year-old who can freely speak to the Glasgow-based side regarding a summer switch in January.

Flores was asked this morning if he had discussed extending Anya’s contract with the wing-back or Watford’s transfer committee.

He said: “Anya is very clever and is very, very happy at Watford. We have a sporting director and owner who have worked very hard over the last year. Of course they will know what we have to do with Anya.”

And the former Wycombe Wanderers wideman has received glowing praise from Hornets skipper Troy Deeney.

Speaking to the media this morning the striker was said he has been impressed with Anya’s versatility.

Deeney said: “He has done magnificently well. If you look around I don’t think there is anyone else in the league who can go from playing as a right winger against Everton to then playing left-back the next game.

“He has done both effortlessly and it looks like he has been playing there (left-back) all is life. He offers a massive great alternative for the team because he can play left-back, right-back left-wing, right-wing, pretty much anywhere.

“He is an infectious character as well. If you are around him for more than ten minutes you will be smiling and laughing. He is a great character and a top, top kid. He deserves everything that comes his way.”