Ed Sheeran is taking inspiration from Bruce Springsteen for his next album.

The 24-year-old singer-songwriter is currently working on his third studio LP following the success of 2014's 'x' - which has sold more than 2 million copies in the UK - and is being influenced by the iconic 65-year-old star's 1982 record 'Nebraska'.

He revealed: ''One of my main inspirations for the next album is listening to 'Nebraska' by Bruce Springsteen, which has incredible songs simply played.''

The 'Bloodstream' hitmaker explained he would like his next release to have a more intimate, acoustic feel than his last album, following in the footsteps of the 'Born in the U.S.A.' singer.

He said: ''He made 'Born To Run' and could've followed it with another stadium record but he made an acoustic album.

''Most songs can be turned into stadium songs, 'Atlantic City' can be played in massive venues, so that's what I want to focus on, great songs.''

But despite his global success as a musician, Ed doesn't see himself in the same category as other superstars, because of his different behaviour.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: ''I am placed in it [that category] at award shows but I don't get mentioned in the same sentence as stars when it comes to music. My sales can match most of those people's, but I'm not mentioned in the same breath.

''It's about the way you portray yourself.''