Gay footballer Liam Davis has claimed that he understands why top-flight players would be "worried" to come out.

The 23-year-old semi-professional, who plays for Football Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity, has been openly gay in the sport for four years.

While Davis believes that there are more ramifications for players competing at the highest level, he does not understand why more lower league players don't feel comfortable enough to come out.

"There is a long way to go," Davis told BBC Sport. "There are lots of things to consider - the media, agents, tens of thousands of opposition fans, so I can understand why people would be worried about it.

"But lower down the leagues, I can't understand why there aren't more gay players, because you are taking away those issues."

Retired Premier League footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger revealed that he is gay last week.