Frank: Toney will start and captain Brentford on return

Thomas Frank has confirmed striker Ivan Toney will start for Brentford on his official return to competitive action this weekend

Toney's last Premier League appearance, 259 days ago, was a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on May 6, but he has been allowed to train with team-mates since September.

Frank said that Toney - who was fined £50,000 and warned about his future conduct for 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules - is "very committed" to the Brentford cause, and praised his "special character".

"He's buzzing like an Under-8," the Bees boss said when questioned about Toney's prospective return. "I'm looking into the eyes of a player that's very committed.

"He will start tomorrow [against Nottingham Forest] and will captain the side. I'm pretty sure he's ready.