Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned from football in May 2023 for 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules. His suspension ends on 17th January, and the 27-year-old could return in his side’s home clash against Nottingham Forest three days later.
Following five successive league defeats, and only one win in their nine games in all competitions, the West London side is languishing just four points above the relegation zone in 16th. It’s a far cry from where they were at this stage last season, sitting comfortably in 8th, separated from the European places by just two points.
Embed from Getty ImagesIvan Toney’s 20 league goals in 33 games for Brentford helped achieve a ninth-place finish last season, in just their second-ever Premier League endeavour. That number was second only to Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, evidencing he belongs at the highest level, despite any claims to the contrary.
“I am capable of doing it,” he said. “The vision that I have is coming back and firing straight away. I want to be playing to the highest level possible in myself, enjoying football again.”
“I’ve been out for so long but I know what I’m capable of to start firing again. Everyone has got their opinions but that’s life. Everyone’s opinion isn’t factual.”
One person’s opinion he will be hoping to recapture is Gareth Southgate’s. The England manager awarded the forward with his first international call-up in September 2022, as an unused substitute against Italy and Germany, before granting him his debut six months later in a 2-0 victory against Ukraine.
Embed from Getty ImagesSouthgate picked his 2022 World Cup squad in the same month that Ivan Toney’s betting allegations came to light, dampening his chances of a first international tournament. As we approach Euro 2024 in Germany, the former League One top scorer will likely be behind Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Eddie Nketiah, and Callum Wilson in the pecking order.
On his hopes of making the final squad for this summer, Toney expressed: “We know there are other great strikers at the moment and they are doing so well. But it’s up to me to come back firing and be back in the frame.”
It’s going to take hard work, and dedication, that’s the goal to look towards – and being involved in that would be a great achievement.”
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter playing much of his career in League One, Toney has now established himself as a top-quality Premier League striker, catching the attention of rival fans and managers alike. Transfers to Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked in recent months, but Bee’s boss Thomas Frank said an ‘unbelievable’ offer would be required.
“It is not for me to discuss (an offer), but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here.”
Being without his star man, Frank has relied on alternative attacking options. However, current top scorer, Bryan Mbeumo (7) has missed the last five games through injury and is expected to be out until mid-February. Brentford will also be temporarily without the goals of Yoane Wissa (4), as he represents DR Congo at AFCON.
As such, Frank may have little option but to bring Toney back into the line-up immediately. It would provide a welcomed opportunity for the striker to show his appreciation to the Brentford fans.
“I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that,” Toney voiced.
Brentford host Nottingham Forest on Saturday 20th January. Forest, who are one place above them in the league, are resurgent under their new manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. After a winless run of seven games, they bested Manchester United and Newcastle. Toney scored against Forest in this fixture last season as Brentford won 2-1.
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Arsenal looks like the location for Ivan Toney