Meyler airs hope gay footballers will no longer suffer in silence

Former Republic of Ireland captain David Meyler hopes Jake Daniels has broken down a huge barrier that will prevent gay footballers from "suffering in silence".

On Monday, Blackpool's 17-year-old forward Daniels became the UK's first active male professional footballer to come out as gay.

Daniels admitted that the example of Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo, who came out last year, had given him the courage to go public about his sexuality.

And former Sunderland, Hull and Reading midfielder Meyler aired his optimism that Daniels' step is an indication of positive change in the game that will help more footballers to feel they can be open about their sexuality.

"To the best of my knowledge I never played with anyone who was gay," Meyler said at the Spar FAI Primary School 5s National Finals, which took place at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.

"I'd like to think if there was a gay person in the changing room they'd have felt they could have opened up to their fellow team-mates. I know I would have supported that person.

"A lot has changed in the years since I first went into a Premier League changing room. I think it's an incredibly brave step from him. Obviously he has the love and support of his team-mates, his family, the club. And you've seen the reaction; not only in the UK but worldwide. Everybody has gotten behind him.

"You're hoping in the year 2022 that it would be acceptable because it's gone on for too long where nobody has come forward.

"It's taken this long for people to make the step and come out. You hope now that others will follow his lead."

Justin Fashanu in 1990 was the last current male professional in Britain to come out as gay, underlining the significance and courage of Daniels' statement.

He admitted it was