Surrey and England wicketkeeper Steven Davies believes that there would be a positive response if a footballer publicly announced that he is gay.

Davies became the first professional cricketer to declare his homosexuality two years ago, but the 26-year-old understands the fears of ridicule from supporters.

"I'd like to think more and more guys will come out in the future, and that's great," the Daily Mail quotes Davies as saying. "But what people want to know is: When is a top footballer going to do it?

"I understand why they might be reluctant to come out. Some of them might say, 'Do you really want 60,000 people chanting, 'You're a fag' at you?'

"But I think the response would actually be really positive. It just needs that one person to take the step."

Former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers recently came out as gay, but also announced his retirement from the game.