Ivan Toney to captain Brentford on return from suspension

Thomas Frank has confirmed striker Ivan Toney will start for Brentford on his official return to competitive action this weekend, on Saturday evening against Nottingham Forest.

Toney’s last Premier League appearance, 259 days ago, was a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on May 6, but he has been allowed to train with team-mates since September.

Frank said that Toney – who was fined £50,000 and warned about his future conduct for 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules – is “very committed” to the Brentford cause, and praised his “special character”.

“He’s buzzing like an Under-8,” the Bees boss said when questioned about Toney’s prospective return. “I’m looking into the eyes of a player that’s very committed.

“He will start tomorrow [against Nottingham Forest] and will captain the side. I’m pretty sure he’s ready.

“He’s a special character, a fantastic person to be around. The energy he brings, the smile, the positivity, is a massive thing.

“He drags people – he wants to win. It’s a massive boost. It’s like a new signing. There’s an argument for him being the second-best striker in the league, in my opinion.”

Earlier this week, Toney reiterated his desire to play for a “top club competing for trophies” in an interview with Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old made his England debut during a European Championship qualifying win against Ukraine last March and has scored 32 goals in 64 Premier League appearances for Brentford.

Speaking about links with other clubs, amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Toney, Frank said: “It’s 99-point-something he will stay here. He’s very committed to be here and help the team.

“I spoke with him yesterday and that’s the only thing on his mind. We only have that zero-point-something chance of craziness in football – you can never rule everything out. We’ve had no offers for him. None.”

Frank added: “It’s classic Ivan – perfect timing. He will thrive in that environment [at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday].

“I asked him if he wanted to start and he said yes. It’s quite obvious in this moment in time we need him, with the injuries we have it’s clear. He is the vice-captain so it’s natural for him to step up.”