Danny Ventre has hailed youngster Jake Daniels as a ‘figurehead who will open doors for others’.
The Blackpool ace, 17, came out as gay this week and is only the second professional footballer in Britain to do so in 32 years.
Former League of Ireland favourite Ventre has coached Daniels at Blackpool since the striker was 12.
Ventre, the ex-Sligo Rovers midfielder, was Blackpool’s Under-18s boss before taking over their Under-23 side.
John Murphy, who had a brief spell in the League of Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic in 2008, is the current Blackpool Under-18s manager.
And Daniels - who made his first-team debut earlier this month - has played regularly for both Ventre and Murphy’s teams.
Ventre told Mirror Sport: “First and foremost, he’s a very good footballer. He has been with me day-to-day and has been playing above his years.
“Left foot, right foot, pace to burn and he knows where the net is. He has a very good chance of making it if he gets the head down.”
But Ventre knows the 17-year-old is going to attract a lot more attention after deciding to publicly come out as gay.
“It could be a distraction and a lot of people will seize on it,” he said. “Maybe more companies will be looking to sponsor him and that could distract him a little.
“Coming out as gay should be a normal thing but while modern society is getting better, it has still turned into this huge thing for him.
“But I know Jake and he wants to be a figurehead and he wants to own it.
“You would like to think everyone is accepting but whatever happens, he has great character, is mature beyond his years and will take it all in his stride.”
And Liverpudlian Ventre continued: “Jake will get all the support he needs from his family and friends, coaches and team-mates.
“The club have been brilliant and have created the right environment for him to arrive at his decision and we’re all delighted for him.
“Nobody at the club has made a massive deal of it and why should they? Least alone Jake which makes him all the more impressive and he’ll open doors for others.
“All he wants is to crack on with his career and while the spotlight might be on him from the media and some away fans, he’s a great kid and a proper footballer.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
