According to the Daily Mail, a source said: "Mick has always been helpful and supportive of Ronnie when he gets in trouble and falls off the wagon.

"The news Ronnie's decided to go into rehab is really pleasing for Mick. He has always urged him to get help when he's had his problems - and this case was no different.

"Mick's just delighted he's taken heed and is trying to get himself straight."

However, an additional source has rubbished rumours the 62-year-old would be sacked from the Rolling Stones if he didn't sort out his alcohol problems.

A friend claimed: "They've known him a long time and he's a great meat. They are all like brothers and they just look after each other when they're in trouble and not threaten one another."

Ronnie's ex-girlfriend Katia Ivanova has previously claimed alcohol was the reason for their break up in December 2009.

Rolling Stone's guitarist Ronnie Wood has gone into rehab for alcohol problems.