The sons of a Watford legend and Ukraine’s greatest player are among the young players to have been given a scholarship by the Hornets.

Tommy Smith’s son Max and Kristian Shevchenko, whose father Andriy lists Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan and Chelsea among his former clubs during a glittering career, are among 15 youngsters who will have the opportunity to shine on and off the pitch during the next two seasons.

Under the guidance of Academy Director Richard Johnson, Head of Technical Development Jimmy Gilligan and the club’s other Academy staff, the young Hornets will aim to follow in the footsteps of players like Ryan Andrews and Tobi Adeyemo and earn a first professional contract.

The new crop, which also includes Watford first-team coach Omer Riza’s son Josh, will also be studying for “nationally recognised qualifications” to give them a firm foundation for their lives away from the game.

The 15 new scholars are: Hayden Barrett (midfielder); Charlie Bolding (midfielder); Amani Bowlin (winger); Tom Georgiou (defender); Zavier Massiah-Edwards (forward); Sam Morris (goalkeeper); Amin Nabizada (forward); Kash Odiase (forward); Leo Ramirez-Espain (midfielder); Josh Riza (midfielder); Joel Sala (defender); Amar Sanghrajka (midfielder); Kristian Shevchenko (forward); Max Smith (forward); Ollie Stephenson (defender).