Sir Elton John has given his support to One Direction.

The veteran pianist told the Mail on Sunday that the 'Kiss You' group should be commended because of their work ethic and also their hit tracks.

The boyband are seemingly constantly kept busy through touring and recording and John said that he hopes One Direction are being paid enough to reflect their schedules. He said:

"If you ignore the young or the old you are doomed. They are a great British pop band. I just hope they are getting good money because they are working bloody hard."

The 'Rocket Man' star said: "I like their songs. I think they are at the age where it doesn't matter if you don't sleep because you are just enjoying the fame so much. I don't think they'd work if one of them left but I just think, 'Good luck to them'."

One Direction meanwhile have just announced their third album in three years, 'Midnight Memories'.