Watford midfielder Ramirez-Espain sent on loan to Hemel

Leo Ramirez-Espain on the ball <i>(Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)</i>
Leo Ramirez-Espain on the ball (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)
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Watford midfielder Leo Ramirez-Espain has joined National League South side Hemel Hempstead on loan for a month.

The 19-year-old drops into the sixth tier in the pursuit of regular first-team football, having made three appearances for the Hornets.

Ramirez-Espain started the Carabao Cup second round defeat to Peterborough United last week but is behind Hector Kyprianou, Edoardo Bove, Edo Kayembe and Martin Payero in the midfield pecking order.

And as with a few of Watford's youngsters this season, the scrapping of the Under-21 team and downgrading of the academy to Category Three means he has had to look elsewhere for regular game time.

Another of those players is Max Smith, who has joined National League North side Oxford City on loan for a month.

The winger, son of former Watford favourite Tommy, will join up with the sixth-tier outfit, where Paul Robinson is a first-team coach.

Smith was also a regular for the Under-21s last season, though he has not yet made his senior debut.

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