‘I look forward to shaking his hand’: NUFC’s Callum Wilson praises Jake Daniels after player comes out

Newcastle United star Callum Wilson has heaped praise on Blackpool forward Jake Daniels after he became the first active male professional footballer to come out as gay.

Wilson shared his excitement to "one day play against him and shake his hand" as he spoke on BBC Sounds' Footballer's Football Podcast alongside West Ham United's Michail Antonio.

The Newcastle striker spoke in depth about the "bravery and courage" it must have taken Daniels to make the announcement, and how he hopes to see more LGBTQ+ players in dressing rooms in the future.

Wilson said: "It's taken a 17-year-old to come out and show that bravery and courage.

"I'm sure there will now be more players who start getting that courage from such a young lad and feel they can now speak - when they see the impact it has in a positive way and they won't be marginalised."

Wilson went on to share his faith that Daniels will receive warm receptions from crowds across the country after coming out.

He said: "I'm sure in every game he plays he will get applauded by opposition fans.

"It's a moment in football and a new chapter.

"From this point onwards you're going to see more people having that courage, thinking if a 17-year-old boy can do it, then I can do it.

"Then all of a sudden, it becomes normal and everyone isn't so surprised that someone is coming out with a different sexuality to the majority of the dressing room.

"It's important that we start breaking barriers on that going forwards.

"It's important no one feels like they can't be themselves.

"Credit to him and I look forward to one day playing against him and shaking his hand."

Michail Antonio shared the thoughts of his fellow Premier League striker.

The Hammers' talisman said: "He must have such a strong mentality to do it, at such a young age having not even broken through yet.

"I have to applaud the man for being so brave."

The two players were joined on this week's podcast episode by Radio 1 Presenter and Liverpool fan Rickie Haywood Williams.

As well as sharing his thoughts on his side's performance this season, Rickie added his praise for Daniels.

He said: "It's a moment in football, people are going to remember this forever. I think it's an amazing thing.

"Me as a black person, I know how it feels to be marginalised in certain situations, I'm sure you both know having been to grounds and played in games where you've had abuse hurled at you because of the colour of your skin.

"Nobody should feel marginalised over something they have no control over.

"The bottom line is, he's a gay guy, he's come out, all that really matters is that he can play football. He deserves so much credit."