Brentford manager, Thomas Frank has confirmed that forward, Ivan Toney will start against Nottingham Forest as captain.
Toney’s eight-month ban for breaches of FA betting rules ended at midnight last Tuesday (16 January) although the striker has been training since mid-September, in line with rules to ensure that he was match fit upon conclusion of the suspension.
In his press conference prior to the Bees’ home match against Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League tomorrow (20 January), Frank confirmed that Toney would start and captain the team due to Christian Norgaard’s injury.
“He’s buzzing like an eight-year-old boy who wants to go out and play his first football game – it’s pure joy,” commented an excited Frank on Toney’s comeback.
Frank quickly iterated that Toney is eager to get out on the pitch again for the club amidst transfer rumours linking him to Arsenal and Chelsea, as he continued: “I’m looking into the eyes of a player who is very committed and very excited.”
The Dane quickly offered assurances over Toney’s fitness as he described the 27 year-old as “very fit,” and ready for action after featuring in matches for the B team.
“He has played 90 minutes in in-house games. Of course, a Premier League game is another thing, but I’m pretty sure that the excitement and adrenaline will do the rest.”
Brentford are currently sat 16th in the Premier League and three points above the relegation zone, and have won just one of their last 10 matches in all competitions amidst a srious injury crisis.
Frank therefore is confident that Toney can inspire his teammates as he added: “Ivan is a special character in many ways. He is a fantastic person to be around and I speak for myself, the staff and the players. The energy he brings – the smile, the positivity.
“On the pitch, he drags people and he wants to win. He wants to help the team, so of course it’s a massive boost.”
Frank also is pleased that the Bees had last weekend off due to the split matchweek format which ensured that Toney was back for this match, especially at home live on Sky Sports in the UK.
“It’s perfect timing for Ivan. It could have been away, a 12.30pm kick-off, but it’s home and under the floodlights. There’s a little bit on the game, I would say. He will thrive on that.”
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