AC/DC have finished their new album.

The legendary rock band are expected to release their sixteenth studio album later this year.

Lead singer Brian Johnson admits the group have toyed with the idea of calling the LP 'Man Down' - a reference to rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young's diagnosis with a ''debilitating illness''.

Brian told TeamRock Radio: ''I wanted to call the album 'Man Down'. But it's a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that.''

The 'Thunderstruck' singer admitted that the absence of joint founding member Malcolm - whose brother Angus Young plays lead guitar in AC/DC - has dampened the band's spirits a little.

Brian said: ''We miss Malcolm obviously. He's a fighter. He's in hospital but he's a fighter. We've got our fingers crossed that he'll get strong again.

''Stevie, Malcolm's nephew [who stepped in for Malcolm for the recording sessions], was magnificent, but when you're recording with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn't well, it's difficult.

''But I'm sure he was rooting for us. He's such a strong man. He's a small guy but he's very strong. He's proud and he's very private so we can't say too much. But fingers crossed he'll be back.''

The album was finished off in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, after a series of recording sessions with producer Brendan O'Brien.

Brian said: ''It was brilliant over there. We're done. I'm very excited and we've got some great songs.''