Kian Egan says Westlife would've been disappointed with One Direction's album sales.

The 33-year-old star - who was a member of the Irish boyband for nearly 15 years - has spoken out about changes in the music industry and thinks although the 'X Factor' formed band have achieved global fame, Westlife would have been disappointed if they had the same UK album sales.

He said: ''I was told the other day that One Direction's album sold around 700,000 copies in the UK and it was the biggest selling album of the year.

''Back in the day with Westlife, that would have been fairly poor, we were selling more like 1.7 or 1.8 million. Times have changed.''

Kian has just released his first solo single, 'Home', but claims when he and his Westlife bandmates - Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Brian McFadden and Mark Feehily - were at the height of their fame, they had a lot more competition than One Direction.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: ''There were loads of bands around then - Blue, Steps, A1, S Club - there was room for all of us.

''But now there's only really room for one One Direction.''

The 'What About Now' hitmaker has also voiced his interest in reuniting with his former bandmates in the future.

He added: ''I can't see it happening in the near future but I'd love to stand on a stage with those boys again at some point.''