Britt Assombalonga and Connor Smith have both been on very different journeys to each other and most footballers but are now in the same place - hoping a loan move can earn them professional contracts with Watford.

The traditional route of signing for a club at a young age and progressing through the ranks until signing a scholarship does not apply to these talented youngsters.

Just over two years ago Smith was playing under-16s football for a local club in Westmeath, Ireland and Assombalonga had just enrolled in a college course at Hertswood School, in Borehamwood.

Smith takes up his story: "I was just playing Sunday league football in Ireland and I saw an advert on TV for Sky's 'Football's Next Star' and I applied for it - well it was more my parents because I didn't think there was much point in me going for it at first.

"I went for trials and did well. I got into the last ten in Italy, finished second in the whole competition and off the back of that, I had a six-week trial with Watford and I ended up signing a scholarship."

The winner of Football's Next Star, which was on our screens two years ago, was rewarded with a contract at Italian giants Inter Milan but Ben Greenhalgh is now unattached and Smith says, in hindsight, losing the competition "proved to work out best for me."

Assombalonga's journey to Watford's London Colney training base has also been very different compared to most of his Hornets' team-mates.

At the age of 16, the forward decided to enrol at Hertswood School where he considered doing, among other subjects, law. It wasn't until he arrived that he learned about a scheme with Watford's community trust, which combined education and playing football.

Assombalonga, who can play out wide or up top, progressed through the various trials to secure a spot on the team and his performances led to a recommendation to Watford, who offered him a trial.

After being given a scholarship with the club, he impressed for the Under-18s and Reserves and was handed a professional contract by the Hornets earlier this year.

Assombalonga's deal is up in the summer though so whilst Smith is still a second-year scholar, both players have the same goal; they are hoping their performances on loan at non-league Wealdstone will help land a professional contract.

Smith said: "I see the loan as a good sign because they (Watford) want both of us to gain experience and now we have to give our all and try to receive good feedback from the Wealdstone manager so we can earn contracts."

Assombalonga, who has just turned 19, still lives with his parents in Kilburn and believes not arriving at a professional club until he was 17 has made him more determined to succeed.

He said: "I think coming into football late makes me much hungrier because I have not experienced the life of being at a big club since I was nine or ten years old and being carried around everywhere. I am used to having to do everything myself, like getting to training myself.

"Being picked up by Watford has made me realise just how far working hard and being hungry can get you. Having ability can get you places, obviously, but having a good work ethic can take you higher. It has done wonders for me."

The Watford pair joined Wealdstone on loan three weeks ago and are set to remain with the Ryman Premier side until January 3.

The duo have enjoyed a fantastic start, as between them they have scored six goals in the last two games.

Assombalonga has found the net five times in his last three outings and in Smith's first start, the pair both scored twice and played a part in the other two goals as the Stones thumped Enfield Town 6-0.

Smith, who has played in a number of attacking positions so far, said: "Scoring in my first start against Enfield and both of us being involved in all six goals meant the other lads knew we were decent. They then trust us more and are more welcoming. It has been a pleasing start."

Assombalonga stated he was "over the moon" with how his loan has gone so far and believes the pair's performances have given them a major confidence boost.

However, both players accept they needed to adjust to non-league football.

First-year pro Assombalonga said: "Academy football is obviously a bit slower than the standard we are now playing. It is hard because it is more physical and different to what we are used to. You have to be quick with your thinking because the opposition are there to 'tell you what time it is'. So it is a big test for both of us."

Smith added: "If you try to turn players then they won't have a second thought about going through the back of you and when you go up for headers there are elbows flying around.

"But it is good to get that experience because first team football and the Championship is more physical. I am really enjoying it."