Full focus: Ivan Toney was straight back among the goals for Brentford against Spurs on Boxing Day
(Picture: AP)Thomas Frank admitted he has no idea how Ivan Toney ignored his off-field issues to deliver a goalscoring return in Brentford’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham.
England striker Toney has been charged with 262 alleged breaches of betting rules by the Football Association (FA), and has until January 4 to respond to the governing body.
The 26-year-old missed out on World Cup selection but was straight back to form on the league’s resumption, having a hand in the build-up to Brentford’s opener then notching the second.
Asked how Toney keeps his full focus on the field, Frank replied: “I wish I knew, then I would bottle it up and sell it for a lot of money.
“In that way he is very, very special, an unbelievable character and mentality and the ability to focus on the moment. His performance today, wow.
“He has a natural inner drive to constantly push himself and those around him, and 11 goals now in the Premier League is impressive. He constantly is a threat, he's special.”
Vitaly Janelt and Toney had Brentford 2-0 up and cruising on the hour, only for Spurs to conjure their latest impressive comeback.
Frank was left frustrated his side could not close out the win, but also continually delighted by the poise and persistence of his Bees.
“Until the Kane goal I think there was one team on the pitch, that was us, and over the 90 minutes I think we deserved the win,” said Frank.
“We go into every game believing we can win no matter who we are playing and we know we have a chance against every team.
“I think this league is relentless, and it’s so strong. I think the big six plus Newcastle are almost, almost out of reach.
“And then there’s 13 other teams, us included, that need to see if they can get as high as possible. So that’s the ambition.”
