Ivan Toney to start and captain Brentford on return to football

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney will start and wear the captain's armband on his return to competitive action.

Toney has not played a Premier League game since May after he was handed an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.

Despite missing out on competitive football, Toney has kept up his fitness level in training sessions and behind-closed-door matches.

With Toney now eligible to return to the first team, Frank has revealed that the 27-year-old will start Saturday's home game against Nottingham Forest.

The Brentford boss also confirmed that Toney will captain the side in the absence of Christian Norgaard, who picked up an injury in Tuesday's extra-time defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

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Commenting on Toney's return, Frank told reporters: "He's buzzing like an Under-8. I'm looking into the eyes of a player that's very committed.

"He will start tomorrow 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."

While Toney will lead the team out against Forest, his Brentford future continues to be the subject of much speculation, amid links with Arsenal and Chelsea.

The England international recently added to the transfer rumours after he confirmed his desire to play for a "top club" in the future.

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Despite the uncertainty surrounding the player's future, Frank is confident that Toney will remain at the club in the current transfer window.

"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."

Brentford will be hoping that Toney can help them return to winning ways following five consecutive Premier League defeats.

Having picked up 19 points from as many games, the Bees currently sit in 16th place and three points above the drop zone.