Toney playing with a point to prove after Brentford return

Ivan Toney has hit the ground since returning from his ban for breaching betting regulations.

The Brentford star has scored four goals in five appearances in the Premier League and despite the constant speculation over his future, the 27-year-old is remaining entirely focused on his football.

Ahead of Brentford's trip to Manchester City tonight, we take a closer look at Toney's impressive form.

Back with a bang

Only Rasmus Hojlund (five) and Bukayo Saka (six) have scored more Premier League goals than Toney since his comeback in January.

The powerful striker is second only to Darwin Nunez for shots on target (10) in that period and ranks joint-sixth in the division for aerial duels won (16).

Toney has immediately re-established himself as Brentford's focal point in attack and their form has been noticeably better.

The Bees have triumphed in two of their five league matches since the striker's return, having won just once in eight games beforehand.

Victories against Nottingham Forest and Wolves — both of which Toney scored in — could prove crucial as Brentford look to distance themselves from the bottom three.

Even if he departs at the end of the season, his contributions may be the difference between relegation and retaining a place in the top flight.

Pep praise

City will certainly be wary of Toney ahead of tonight's meeting — the lethal finisher was only outscored by Erling Haaland and Harry Kane last season.

Pep Guardiola has revealed his admiration for the England international and warned his players not to underestimate his abilities in the final third.

He said: "He [Toney] is so dangerous.

"He's a master of using his body for the second ball, good finishing, you can link with him — he's one of the best I've ever seen [at that].

"A few weeks ago the goal we conceded [to him] — we defended not properly but he did it really well."

Toney scored twice in a dramatic 2-1 win at the Etihad last season — and he will be hoping to do the same again when he faces the Treble winners in Manchester.

Busy summer ahead

There was an air of uncertainty around Toney's intentions before he played his first game in eight months.

Transfer rumours had continued during his absence but there was still a feeling that he needed to prove himself again after spending so long on the sidelines.

So far he has done that, performing so well that discussions about a place in England's squad at the European Championship this summer have been reignited.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: "I know what Ivan can bring and I think it's something different England don't have.

"He is a top player and a top striker — he is unique."

At his current rate, Toney is on course to net 15 times in the Premier League by the end of the season and will likely secure a move to a top-six club in the coming months.