Brentford boss Thomas Frank was proven right in his decision not to risk Ivan Toney against Sheffield United as he backs ‘best player’ to show his quality against Luton
- Brentford defeated Sheffield United 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday
- Ivan Toney remained on the bench as he recovers from a hip injury
- IAN LADYMAN and CHRIS SUTTON have their say on the Premier League Player of the Year – Listen to the It all starts podcast
In a match that cried out for a clinical touch in the final third, Thomas Frank showed both great foresight and impressive restraint in not risking Ivan Toney against Sheffield United.
Granted, a 63rd minute goal may have eased the pressure on Brentford to introduce their talisman, but with relegation still a credible threat you would have forgiven Frank for calling on the striker, who is still recovering of a hip injury.
Needless to say, a player of the England striker’s caliber will prove decisive in the Bees’ quest to remain in the top flight, a challenge made much easier by a first win in two months.
Only three Brentford players have more league goals than Toney this season – and he didn’t play his first game until January 20.
Thomas Frank showed both great foresight and impressive restraint in not putting Ivan Toney in danger
Toney stayed on the bench as he watched his team take the three points on Saturday
“Now we have time to get him ready for Luton (Saturday) and I am confident he will be ready,” Frank said.
‘It is very difficult not to start Ivan because he is our best player. It’s fantastic and it was the right decision not to be tempted to put it on.
“Now hopefully he will show on Saturday how good the decision was.”