One Direction fans in a heap as Niall Horan showers praise on former bandmate Louis Tomlinson-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Niall Horan is a huge fan of former 1D bandmate Louis Tomlinson’s new album, and fans are having a normal one about it (Picture: FilmMagic)

One Direction fans are having a very good day indeed as Niall Horan heaped praise on his former bandmate Louis Tomlinson.

It’s more than seven years since the phenomenal boy band went on an indefinite hiatus, but the fandom is still very much active.

Unfortunately for Directioners, there hasn’t been much to celebrate about the band recently, with the most recent news being Liam Payne’s massively controversial interview where he claimed, among other things, that he had gotten in a physical fight with a bandmate and that One Direction was actually formed around his face.

(Something quickly debunked by the X Factor, who released unseen footage showing precisely how the group was formed.)

And while Harry Styles remains the biggest act from the group, starring in films and breaking chart records, Louis’ newly-released album is proving popular among fans and critics.

The star is currently neck-and-neck with Bruce Springsteen to clinch his first solo number one album – and Niall has now put himself firmly in Louis’ corner.

The musicians enjoyed a close friendship during their One Direction days, and in 2016 took part in Sport Relief together (Picture: Getty Images)

The record-breaking group were one of the most popular boy bands of all time (Picture: WireImage)

Slow Hands singer Niall took to Twitter on Thursday where he told his millions of followers: ‘Hope you can get behind our Tommo and get him over the line to number 1 this week.

‘It’s a great record and he deserves it.’

To which Louis responded: ‘Thanks mate! See you soon.’

A sweet interaction between friends and former bandmates. To Directioners: everything.

‘WDYM SEE YOU SOON?’ one follower demanded, proving how little it takes to get fans’ hopes up about a possible 1D reunion.

Another wrote: ‘NOW I CRY,’ with another agreeing: ‘This is actually me right now.’

One follower posted an image bearing the words: ‘Crying session at my house tonight at 8,’ while another, who also announced they were crying, said the interaction ‘saved my week.’

And another wrote simply: ‘AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA’…. well, you get the idea.

Louis released his second solo album, Faith in the Future, to his clamouring fans on Friday, following up on single releases of tracks including Silver Tongues and Out Of My System.

The album is currently just in the lead over Bruce’s LP Only the Strong Survive at the midweek mark, with fewer than 1,200 sales separating them in the top two spots, according to Official Charts Company.

Louis is close to clinching his first solo number one album (Picture: Shutterstock)

A win over Bruce would obviously be welcomed by Louis, who despite a US tour and popular album, has been having a fairly tough time lately.

The 30-year-old was forced to cancel a string of in-store signing  after falling and breaking his arm ‘pretty badly’ following a New York concert on the very day of his album’s release.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Thank you to everyone that’s listened to the new album so far, it means the world to me. The show last night in New York was incredible.

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‘Unfortunately on the way back I’ve managed to fall and break my right arm pretty badly. So I’m gutted to say I’ll have to reschedule the in-store signings next week. 

‘New dates will be announced very soon. Thank you for all your support and sorry to anyone who was coming next week. Louis.’

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