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Frank backs England striker Toney to be back at best for Euros

BRENTFORD boss Thomas Frank has no doubt Ivan Toney will be back to his best in time for this summer’s European Championship.

Toney, who made his England debut against Ukraine in March, has gone 10 matches without a goal — his longest barren spell for five years.

Frank revealed the Bees striker had been struggling with niggling injuries since returning from his eight-month suspension for breaking betting rules in January.

But he insisted Toney was now fit and firing again ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth as he looks to rubber-stamp his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad.

“Ivan has a strong mentality and is a strong character,” said Frank. “In general he’s fine. I know it’s a big ambition to be picked in the England squad for the Euros.

“I’d pick him, although I know I’m biased. But I think he should be in there and I think he brings something extra with the quality he has.

“You have to take into account he was out for eight months. He came back flying, scored four in his first five matches and did very well.

“But when you are coming from not having played to the highest level, you can pick up small niggles. Unfortunately he did that.

“Now he is just picking up again. He has just had a really good training week, trained really hard, so I really hope we will see a good performance, hopefully a win and a goal from Ivan on Saturday.

“I 100 per cent expect him to be a lot sharper. The most important thing is he’s fit. He is ready.”

Bees defender Kristoffer Ajer will wear a protective mask at Bournemouth after suffering a broken nose against Fulham last weekend.

Midfielder Mathias Jensen is also available after shaking off a minor knock.

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