Sports minister and Chatham MP Tracey Crouch has praised football players who have spoken out about sexual abuse.

The Professional Footballers’ Association is calling for a full inquiry into the sexual abuse of young players after four former professionals, including former England player Paul Stewart, revealed they were targeted as children.

Mr Stewart, 52, started his career at Blackpool and also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool, first told the Daily Mirror an unnamed coach abused him daily for four years up to the age of 15.

He added that he feared there could be hundreds of other victims.

The NSPCC says it’s had a huge response to a special hotline they opened so footballers could report abuse allegations.

The charity says more than 50 calls were taken in the first two hours of the phone line being open, one of the highest responses they've ever had.

Abuse allegations surfaced last week after ex-Crewe player Andy Woodward, 43, spoke publically about his abuse by former coach and youth football scout Barry Bennell.

Bennell was sentenced to nine years in prison in 1998 after admitting sexual offences against six boys.

Miss Crouch said: “The players that have broken their silence to speak out about the abuse they suffered have shown incredible bravery. The safety and security of participants in sport at every level is absolutely paramount.

“Sports governing bodies, clubs and coaches have a clear duty of care to young people who attend sports clubs. The Child Protection in Sport Unit has standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport that sports organisations have to adhere to.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “There must be no hiding place for sexual abuse in our national game and there may be many others who suffered through such horrors as young players but have never come forward.

“People must be able to speak out and get the help they need, and we know that can often be more difficult for men and boys.

“We welcome the FA’s commitment to helping those in the game get the help and support they need.”

Call the NSPCC hotline on 0800 0232642