Morrissey has backed The Courteeners to become the next British band to break the tough American market.

The former Smiths singer, who recently watched the group perform in Camden, praised the band's music, saying they had more to offer than fellow British groups.

Speaking to Californian radio station KRCW, Morrissey said: “Every song was very strong and full of hooks and full of dynamics and I thought, 'this is great'.

“Because so many groups in England, they're hyped and they're huge and they're all over the press and they don't really actually have any songs, they don't really have anything to offer... but it's different with The Courteeners, they actually do have very good, strong songs."

He added: "I think they will make it here [in the US] and I think you'll come across them."

The Courteeners are due to release their next single 'The Kiss' on September 29th.

(by Jason Gregory)