Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler does not believe that any footballer would be subjected to a hostile reception should they come out as gay.

Former Aston Villa and West Ham United midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger announced that he was gay earlier this week, becoming the first Premier League-affiliated player to do so.

The German claimed that others are reluctant to follow suit in fear of the reaction that such news would receive, but Fowler believes that such decisions would be greeted with understanding from players and fans alike.

He told BBC's Football Focus: "Certainly it wouldn't be a problem in a dressing room now. I don't think it would be a problem on the terraces now."

Hitzlsperger became the fourth footballer to be openly gay after former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers came out in February 2013.