"I Feel Like A Free Man"- Ivan Toney's Eight-Month Ban For Betting Breaches Is Over

Toney was banned in May 2023 after he breached betting rules.

The 27-year-old, who has one England cap, is eligible to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Toney's return comes at a crucial time for Brentford, who are 16th on the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone.

Toney scored 20 league goals in 33 games last season before his ban came into effect.

"I feel like a free man", Toney told Sky Sports in an exclusive interview. "A massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can't wait to get back to enjoying playing football again this Saturday. It's a big day today but an even bigger day on Saturday.

"My whole family knows what the weekends are about - they travel down to watch me play football. Missing that for eight months is painful.

"It's painful for me knowing I've ruined their weekend. I can't wait to repay them in the next games, pick up where I left off and get the goals back under my belt and give them something to be happy about."

"To a certain extent [there is guilt] but things happen in life. You take it on the chin and you move forward with it. I should have been helping the team but there are other team-mates who have roles to play and step in when needed.

"I feel bad but I can't dwell on it. I can't change what's happened. What's done is done. Hopefully I can now put on a show."