The Rolling Stones may record a new album this year.

The group's guitarist Keith Richards wouldn't "be surprised" if he and his bandmates - singer Sir Mick Jagger, guitarist Ronnie Wood and drummer Charlie Watts - return to the studio in the near future.

He said: "There are no definite plans for an album, but I can't see any of us stopping. I wouldn't be surprised if we did some recording later this year."

However, the rocker is unsure whether the group will go out on the road in support of new material, and has definitely ruled out any stadium shows in 2010.

He added to Rolling Stone magazine: "I don't know how the rest of them feel about roadwork at the moment. Maybe we'll search for a different way for The Stones to go back on the road. Maybe not the stadiums anymore, maybe something different. You can't go around in lemon-yellow tights forever."

The 66-year-old musician - who is famed for his hard partying - has also laughed off speculation he has given up alcohol.

He joked: "Listen, the rumours of my sobriety are greatly exaggerated. And we'll leave it at that!"