One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles used to believe he was a "useless" singer, according to his friend.

Will Sweeny, who played in the band White Eskimo with Styles, told the Daily Star that the 'One Thing' star wasn't confident in his own abilities.

Styles, however, then applied for the X Factor in 2010 as solo contestant before being pieced together as part of a boy band. Speaking about his friend, Sweeny said:

"Harry was always very self-critical – he thought he was a useless singer."

"But once he started singing he discovered he was a natural showman, running on to the stage, giving people high fives. Look at him now."

Styles may have had humble beginnings, but he has gone on to achieve global success, with One Direction's forthcoming album 'Take Me Home' expected to be a smash across the world.