Toney feels debt to Brentford amid transfer rumours

Ivan Toney said he has to repay Brentford's support after an eight-month betting ban, rather than look for pastures new in the January transfer window as he prepares to return to action.

The 27-year-old will be free to play in the Bees' next Premier League game at home to Nottingham Forest on January 20.

Toney, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, has been linked with a move to Arsenal this month as the misfiring Gunners seek to salvage their title challenge.

However, Toney said he owed a debt of gratitude to his current employers for the backing he received after being found guilty of 232 breaches of the Football Association's gambling rules.

"The club was right behind me from the first bit. The fans were behind me, which was a massive part," Toney told Sky Sports.

"Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can't thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it's kind of like I have a lot to repay."

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Toney's absence has been felt in recent weeks as injury-hit Brentford have slipped down the Premier League table.

Thomas Frank's men sit in 16th, four points above the relegation zone after just one win in nine matches in all competitions.

Frank's attacking options have also been limited by injuries to Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade, while Yoane Wissa is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo.

However, Toney is confident he can fire his side out of a relegation battle.

He scored a hat-trick during 75 minutes on the pitch in Brentford B's 5-1 win over Southampton under-23s on Saturday.

"With Brentford, they're struggling at the moment but I'm sure when I'm back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they've been in," he added.

"Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we're in."