TOON TIE CAN BE A FRANK ASSESSMENT

BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank says his players can learn what it takes to be a Premier League player when they take on Newcastle tomorrow night.

The Bees just missed out on promotion last season and are in the hunt again after an early three-goal salvo saw off Reading and took their unbeaten run to 13.

They host Toon for a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals - their first appearance in a League Cup quarter-final and a chance for Championship top scorer Ivan Toney to make a point against his former club.

The 24-year-old has scored 16 goals since a £5million move from Peterborough. His only playing time in the top flight came at Newcastle - two five-minute appearances as a sub against Chelsea and Manchester United.

Frank said: “He’s extremely ambitious, and there are a lot of players in our team like him that are dreaming big and want to go to the Premier League.

“I understand that, and Ivan has done fantastically well for us. Of course, a big cup quarter-final against a top-flight club where you spent time – that is special.

“A game against Newcastle gives our players a chance to see the level. A lot of the time the difference between players in the Premier League and those outside is the mentality.

“And that mentality is not to be strong in one game, but to do it all the time, day in and day out.”

After a howler from Reading keeper Rafael Cabral gifted Mathias Jensen the opener, Bryan Mbeumo (above) struck twice in six minutes. Sub Sone Aluko headed a consolation for Reading.

BRENTFORD: Raya 7, Fosu 6, Sorensen 6, Goode 6, Henry 6 (Thompson 46, 6), Jensen 7, Janelt 7, Dasilva 7 (Marcondes 64, 6), Mbeumo 8 (Ghoddos 64, 6), Toney 7, Canos 7 (Forss 77, 5)

READING: Rafael 3, Esteves 5, Moore 6, Morrison 5, Holmes 5, Rinomhota 5, Laurent 5, Semedo 5 (Aluko 61, 7), Olise 6, Ejaria 6, Baldock 5

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