SINGER Ronan Keating’s new album looks set to be a chart flop – as sales figures reveal it has sold just 181 copies in its first week of sale so far.

The midweek sales figures show Keating’s new offering ‘Fires’ has landed at number 13 in the Irish album charts, according to The Daily Mail. The Irish album charts combine both physical and download sales.

The poor chart performance will come as a blow to Keating, who has spent weeks on promotional work in preparation for the record’s release.

The Boyzone star has previously stated he’s been working hard on new material in the aftermath of his split with wife Yvonne – however he said he has not written any songs on the break up.

His ex recommended the record as "worth a listen" in her column for VIP magazine, even saying : “I’m sure it will be another number one”.

An industry source told The Daily Mail that Keating may have to accept his recording career is a thing of the past and to concentrate on live performances instead – where he still proves a big draw.

It has been six years since the singer has released an album of original solo material – in the mean time he has been touring with Boyzone and has released a cover album.

Keating had been hoping the new album would reignite his ailing pop career in Ireland, having previously said: “The album is back to proper pop. I’ve been working with the guys behind ‘Life Is a Rollercoaster’ again”.

“I’ve been spending my time getting this album just right and I’m excited about people hearing it”, he continued.

Industry sources have said it is too early to tell what impact the record’s failure could have on Keating’s career – however it could jeopardise his record deal with Polydor.

Two Door Cinema club currently occupy the top spot in the midweek charts with their album selling 726 copies. Rita Ora and Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s offerings also place in the top ten.