Robbie Williams thinks One Direction have the power to follow in the Spice Girls' footsteps and take over the world.

The British boyband - comprising Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - have catapulted to international fame since the release of their hugely successful albums 'Up All Night' and 'Take Me Home'.

Williams has high hopes for the heartthrobs, and according to The Sun revealed: "They’re quite a power in the way the Spice Girls were. The Spice Girls took over the world and won and I think the One Direction boys have a similar chemistry.”

Cheeky charmer Williams - who recently became a dad - refrained from giving tips in the romance department though.

The star joked Styles - who is currently dating Taylor Swift - probably needs less dating advice than him.

He quipped: "He’s a magnet like I’ve never seen before. I don’t think Harry needs any tips from me. He’s beguiling, and so are One Direction. I wasn’t him when I was 18. That didn’t happen to me.”