Thomas Frank has lauded Brentford’s Ivan Toney for staying focused despite the ongoing threat of disciplinary action for allegedly breaking betting rules.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Toney has until January 4 to respond to the Football Association after being charged with 262 alleged breaches. He has responded well on the pitch as he scored in Brentford’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Boxing Day.
Frank is confident that his striker is in the right frame of mind to perform on Friday night against West Ham.
“I can only praise him for his mentality and his character. He is in many ways unique there,” Frank said.
“His ability to have that laser focus and go into the game focused on the next action, the next moment and fulfilling his role in the team and pushing the team and helping the team is remarkable.
“I’ve spoken to him a few times to ask how he is and how his family are. In this modern world, everyone thinks they know everything and there are a lot of clever people out there, especially on social media.
“It’s important for him and the family to take care for each other, which they do because they have a strong family.
“For any player, it’s about finding that consistency, no matter what is hitting you. From where you find your extra inspiration, motivation, or whatever it is, it’s different from player to player.
“But I don’t see a more determined player, I just see the same Ivan who wants to progress and be better every day.”
West Ham are just one point above the relegation zone after a run of three successive defeats, but Frank has urged the club to keep faith with boss David Moyes.
“David Moyes and his staff have done a top job for the last three years,” Frank said.
“Maybe they’ve over-performed, but definitely top-performed in terms of stabilising the club and finishing in two unbelievable positions in sixth and seventh.
“To finish sixth above bigger clubs is remarkable and then to get to the semi-final of Europe. It’s about results, but this league is on a knife edge.
“Let’s say they have an average year and finish 15th, I would 100 per cent back David Moyes and his staff to continue.
“No club in the Premier League can stay consistently in one position unless you are Manchester City or Liverpool. It’s about staying calm and sticking to the strategy.”
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