Springsteen pips Franz to the top

Springsteen's success came as he was preparing for the Super Bowl

Bruce Springsteen's new album Working on a Dream has beaten Franz Ferdinand's latest release to the top of the chart.

The rock icon achieved his seventh UK number one album a few hours before he was due to go on stage in Florida during American football's Super Bowl.

He overcame competition from Glasgow rockers Franz Ferdinand, whose Tonight album entered the chart at number two.

In the singles chart, Lily Allen replaced Lady Gaga at number one with her track The Fear.

Singer-songwriter Tommy Reilly, who won Channel 4's Orange Unsigned competition for new acts, entered the chart at number 14 with Gimme A Call.

Springsteen's success comes after he unveiled plans for a world tour, to start in California in April.

A show is planned for Dublin's RDS on 11 July, but no UK dates have yet been confirmed. Springsteen has been heavily tipped to headline Glastonbury in June.

He recently played at the inauguration celebrations for US President Barack Obama, and won a Golden Globe for his theme song to acclaimed film The Wrestler.