VALE of Leithen are reaching for the stars with the signing of their new midfielder, Niall Doherty.

The promising playmaker from Edinburgh has just returned to Scotland after four seasons on a soccer scholarship in America.

And he has left behind his film star brother, Thomas, on the other side of the Atlantic.

Doherty junior is currently playing a lead part in Disney's top show The Lodge.

And he is about to star in forthcoming movies High Strung: Free Dance and Descendants 2.

Doherty senior made his debut for Vale on Wednesday evening against Tollcross - and he will also feature in tonight's (Friday) match against Livingston as well as tomorrow's game against Arniston Rangers.

Vale boss Chris Anderson rolled out the red carpet for his latest signing.

He said: "Niall is an energetic and highly talented midfielder - he was exactly the kind of player I was looking for.

"I'm sure his film star brother will come and watch us if he's over here.

"I'm not a huge fan of Disney but I'm sure a few of the boys will start watching Niall's brother on the TV."

This week's three matches will be Vale's final warm-up games before the Lowland League kicks off next Saturday against Stirling University.

And Anderson, who now has 19 signed players at his disposal, believes his team will be ready for the 2017/18 campaign.

Chris added: "We need as much game time as possible just now as a lot of the boys are just back from holiday.

"It will be tiring, having three games in four days, but we will go back to light training next week and be ready for the Stirling Uni game.

"I'm happy with the squad we've got. The new players already knew most of the boys that were here and there's a good atmosphere around the club just now."

Anderson's other summer signings Euan Saunderson, Jack Hay, Jordan Finnie, Ross Gilpin and Jon McInally will all make their Victoria Park debuts this evening against Livingston.

And they will also turn out to welcome Arniston Rangers tomorrow.

Tonight's match with the Championship side kicks off at 7.30pm and tomorrow's match with Arniston is scheduled to start at 2.30pm.