Brentford head coach Thomas Frank reveals that Ivan Toney is "desperate" to start Saturday's Premier League clash with Luton Town.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has revealed that Ivan Toney is "desperate" to start Saturday's away clash against Luton Town. Toney started 12 consecutive Premier League matches following his return from an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
However, the forward dropped down to the bench for the 3-3 draw against Aston Villa earlier this month due to a hip issue.
Toney was then left on the bench for last Saturday's 2-0 win over Sheffield United despite Frank's initial hope that he would be fit enough to start against the Blades.
Toney "pressing" for starting berth Frank has now stated that Toney is pushing to start Saturday's Premier League meeting with Luton at Kenilworth Road.
"Ivan is pressing," Frank told reporters in Friday's press conference. "He is desperate [to start], and I am desperate, so let's see tomorrow.
"They [the Brentford fans] know how much I like Ivan and how important a player he is for us, so let's see. He, like any other player, wants to make a difference.
"Of course, he would like to perform. With all your important players, you are willing to push them hard to play. And all of the important players normally have an extraordinary mentality and can push through things."
Toney has failed to score in each of his last eight appearances after scoring in four of his first five games upon his return to action in January.
Norgaard set to return Frank also confirmed that captain Norgaard is in contention to feature after missing the last five matches through injury.
The Bees will also be able to call upon defender Kristoffer Ajer, who has recovered from a calf problem that kept him out of the win over Sheffield United.
However, they still have to cope without the injured quartet of Joshua Dasilva, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry and Ben Mee.
Having picked up 32 points from 33 matches, the Bees head into the weekend in 15th position with a seven-point buffer to 18th-placed Luton.
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