After getting a taste of Premier League football at Newcastle, Brentford striker Ivan Toney is on a mission to prove they were wrong to let him go for a paltry £600,000.

Toney, 24, was limited to just four appearances in three frustrating years at St James’ Park.

But after ripping up League One at Peterborough, he is now making light work of Championship football in West London.

He will be looking for his 26th goal of the season as second-placed Brentford travel to leaders Norwich tonight in a top-of-the-table clash.

Here, we take a closer look at a striker seemingly destined to be playing top-flight football next season.

Proving a point at Posh

After a mixed set of loans during his time at Newcastle, Toney (pictured above) made the sensible decision to join Posh permanently in the summer of 2018. 

Since owner Darragh MacAnthony became chairman in 2006, Peterborough have made a habit of turning lower league strikers into goal machines ready for big-money moves.

After 49 goals in 94 games across his two seasons at London Road, the likes of Celtic, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham were linked — yet it was Brentford who stumped up the £5million plus add-ons for Toney last September.

Move to Brentford

Toney appeared to have made another clever move by joining Brentford, who sold Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins to Brighton and Aston Villa respectively in the past two summers. 

The Bees had identified him as the right player to replace Watkins, even if he was more of a target man than his predecessor, who likes to run the channels and get in behind defenders. 

In MacAnthony's opinion, only ‘League One snobbery’ stopped Toney moving straight to the top flight.

He said: "I still think a lot of Premier League clubs messed up big time, not overlooking the usual League One snobbery, and should have bought him in a heartbeat."

Goals, goals, goals

After failing to score in his first four games for Brentford, Toney netted 25 goals in the 32 outings that followed. 

Speaking earlier this season, the in-form striker said: "The staff here have been helping me a lot with knowing where the wingers are going to put the ball, where I need to make my movements — and when I need to make them. It’s paying off."

While crediting those helping him is to be respected, Toney has always had the look of a natural finisher throughout his career in the EFL. 

His goalscoring ability is unparalleled at Championship level, as summed up by Stoke boss Michael O’Neill after Toney’s strike proved the difference in a 2-1 defeat at the weekend. 

O'Neill said: "Toney, as he’s proven all season, if he’s not the best, there’s not anyone better than him probably in this league.

"I felt in the games we’ve played we’ve handled him quite well. But that’s the difference, he’s come and it’s a great finish, good anticipation and that’s what ultimately separates us in the game."

Doing the dirty work

Toney’s aerial ability is undoubtedly the standout asset of his game.

Former boss Graham Alexander labelled him "the best he has seen" in the air, while his work at opposition corners led to Posh director of football Barry Fry calling him the League One outfit's “best defender”. 

It all paints a picture of a striker who loves getting stuck in, doing the dirty work and enjoys winding up opposition defenders.

Toney is not a show pony or a striker who simply scores goals. He is a huge asset to any side, even when chances are not coming his way.

Destined for the Premier League

Even if the Bees fail to earn promotion, Toney will be a Premier League footballer next season.

Having sold Ollie Watkins for £28m after he scored 25 goals last term, the accountants at the Brentford Community Stadium will be licking their lips at the fee they will potentially receive for Toney. 

And considering Leicester and Arsenal have already been linked with him, it would not be a surprise if a club with European ambitions took him on.

As MacAnthony puts it: "Every club in the Premier League should be looking to buy Ivan. He’s of the age to step up and score 15 goals in the Premier League."