SUPPORTERS watching a Cwmbran football team at the weekend might have been forgiven for thinking their new sub looked a little familiar.

Because celebrity and former boy band member Dane Bowers has signed on for a season at Cwmbran Celtic Football Club, and got his first touch of the ball for the Thirds on Saturday.

Mr Bowers played for the side in their 3-1 defeat by Marshfield in the Newport and District League game.

Mr Bowers, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother with Gareth 'Alfie" Thomas, first came to the public’s attention when he joined hit nineties boy band Another Level.

The band notched up several platinum-selling albums and singles, and at their peak supported Janet Jackson on her world tour.

After the group split in 2000 Mr Bowers went solo, and even wrote the song for his duet with Victoria Beckham, ‘Out of Your Mind’.

Now he is better known for DJing and TV presenting on programmes like Pop Idol.

He has previously taken part in Celebrity Big Brother 2010 and Celebrity Come Dine With Me.

Mr Bowers is also known for his tempestuous two-year relationship with glamour model Jordan.

He is now dating model and former Miss Wales, Sophia Cahill, who lives in the Gwent area. Ms Cahill’s father is believed to be a massive Cwmbran Celtic fan, which could explain how Mr Bowers got involved with the club.

Bob Smith, Chairman of Cwmbran Celtic, said: "He made his debut at home on Saturday. He was on the bench for the Reserves on Saturday, but he did end up playing.

"Hopefully he will enjoy his stay with us. He’s a nice lad."

Mr Smith added: "Perhaps joining Cwmbran Celtic will take his career to Another Level."

Neil Gilmore, third team manager for Cwmbran Celtic said: "Dane came on as a sub for 25 minutes, and he enjoyed it. He played well, and came back to the club after and he seemed to enjoy the entertainment.

"Hopefully, considering his contacts with Victoria Beckham, hopefully he will get her to have a word with her husband and then we can get Becks on the team too."

"He did take us to Another Level, but just not quite enough, as we lost.

"He’s just a normal, tidy guy."