SCOTS footballers north and south of the Border are to wear rainbow laces in their boots this weekend to show their support for fellow players who are gay.

Everton stars Steven Naismith, Nikica Jelavic and James McCarthy, along with their captain Phil Jagielka and team mates, will wear the laces, created by Stonewall, during their clash with West Ham at Upton Park.

The entire Stenhousemuir team will also wear the creations during tomorrow's League One game at Abroath.

The laces are being worn as part of the Right Behind Gay Footballers campaign, launched by gay rights charity Stonewall and Paddy Power, which aims to highlight the plight of gay footballers.

Everton and England defender Jagielka said: "For me and the rest of the lads at Everton a player's sexuality is not important, but their ability on the pitch is."