Portsmouth have handed two of Paul Hart's Academy prospects pro contracts.

Matt Ritchie and Joel Ward have both been offered professional contracts.

Ritchie, from Gosport, is a midfielder who can also operate wide on the left. Central defender Ward, from Emsworth, spent 12 weeks of the season out with shin splints in both legs, but has returned to impress.

Last year the club opted not to take any of their under-18s on.