POMPEY have offered exciting young Isle of Wight prospects Joe Hancott and Leon Maloney a third-year scholarship.

Leon, 17, and Joe, 18, are among just three of the League 1 club’s brightest academy players poised to sign new one-year deal at Fratton Park.

It is reward for the Islanders’ consistency during their two years playing for Pompey’s academy.

Both have made their first-team debuts under boss Kenny Jackett.

Hancott became the club’s youngest player, at 16 years and 161 days, in Pompey’s 3-1 Checkatrade Trophy victory over Fulham under-21s in 2017.

After battling back from a broken foot at the start of this campaign, the defender has been a regular in the academy side.

Maloney, meanwhile, came off the bench in Pompey’s 2-0 third round Checkatrade Trophy win at Southend in January.

The Island forward netted 26 times for the academy this term.

Pompey’s youth boss, Mark Kelly, said: “The nice thing about third-year scholarships is we can get them out on work-experience loans and can call them straight back for Checkatrade Trophy and under-23s games.

“Joe has been very consistent since coming back from a broken foot, while Leon is quick and has raw attributes.”