Hotshot Ivan aiming to prove a point after time at Toon
IVAN Toney feels he has a ‘point to prove’ to his former club Newcastle United and is confident he can succeed in the Premier League.
The in-form Brentford striker made the switch to Tyneside in 2015, but made just two senior appearances in black-and-white.
Toney enjoyed mixed success in loan spells at Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic before the Magpies agreed a permanent deal with Peterborough United in 2018.
Two years on, the striker is already impressing in the Championship following a summer switch to Brentford with 10 league goals already to his name.
Fellow Magpies academy graduate Adam Armstrong is also impressing in the second-tier, having left on a permanent deal in the same summer to join Blackburn Rovers.
Toney believes the pair had the potential to lead the line together at St James’ Park, and both are keen to prove their doubters on Tyneside wrong.
He told Sky Sports: “When I went to Newcastle, Adam was out on loan, but we did speak and said we should both be playing up front together. It was never to happen but he is a great striker who knows where the goal is, for sure.”
Speculation over Toney’s future dominated the agenda at Peterborough United this summer.
Following news that Brentford had agreed a fee with the League One outfit in August, a clip with the 24-yearold’s comments outlining his determination to play at the ‘highest level’ went viral on social media.
It drew debate among football fans, with many calling Toney’s ability and potential into question.
Toney shrugs off the criticism, and explains footballers must have “high ambitions” if they are to progress as players.
He added: “People are going to have their opinions and just because it’s their opinion to have, it doesn’t mean it’s factual. I see myself as a Premier League player. If I see myself as a Championship player, that’s not good enough. You have to aim higher and if you come just short then it’s not too bad. You must have high ambitions and high ambitions scare smallminded people. I’m excited to be in the Championship and I’m sure I can play a big part in taking Brentford to the Premier League.”
“I was just excited to take the challenge on because I like proving people wrong. Without blowing m y ow n trumpet, I feel like I comp le ted League One a
few years ago.”