Quique Sanchez Flores backs Valencia boss Gary Neville

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores believes Gary Neville can succeed at Valencia, despite having no playing or coaching experience in Spain.

The former Manchester United defender will be officially unveiled as the new head coach on Thursday after agreeing to take charge until the end of the season.

Flores, who enjoyed 10 years at the Mestalla as a player before taking charge of the club in 2005, feels Neville can adapt to La Liga.

Speaking ahead of his side's Premier League game against Norwich on Saturday, the Spaniard said: "It's not about nationality. It's about knowledge, it's about the attitude and how you manage and lead, not if you've played there before as a player.

"It's about how you're able to manage a team. If you can, you can manage the young ones, the middle and the top level.

"It's possible to adapt. It is a new culture.

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"Years ago people stayed in their country and never moved, it is completely different [now]. Everyone is moving, we're living in these kind of times."

Valencia are ninth in La Liga and Neville's first game in charge is their must-win Champions League clash against Lyon on Wednesday.

Flores, who played almost 300 times for the Mestalla club, added: "I love Valencia.

"I grew in Valencia. For me, it's very important that they recuperate their ambition, their level and that the fans are completely happy.

"In this case, I hope that Gary is able to recuperate the harmony between fans and the club, results and that they can improve a lot."

Hornets goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is a doubt for the Norwich game after he sustained a neck injury in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Flores' side are 11th place in the Premier League table, five places above the Canaries.