Former England international Gareth Southgate believes that gay footballers would be "accepted" by their teammates if they decided to be open about their sexuality.

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard recently claimed that gay players should have a "hero" to look up to and while Southgate believes that some players may receive jeers from rival fans, the 42-year-old has insisted that there will be no problems within teams.

"It's the next taboo," BBC Sport quotes Southgate as saying. "It will take someone who is brave enough to be open and honest. I'm sure there might be some reaction from crowds but within dressing rooms I think it would be accepted."

Justin Fashanu was the last openly gay player in England's top flight.