Ivan Toney declares he is 'hungry to get back on the pitch' as ​​he prepares to return to football after an eight-month ban… with several big clubs circling the Brentford striker

Brentford striker Ivan Toney today revealed he is ‘hungry to return to the pitch’ as ​​his eight-month ban from football nears the end.

The 27-year-old, who is being targeted by several big clubs in the Premier League, also opened up about his goals for the rest of the season and said he hopes to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this European Championship summer.

‘I’m hungry. Hungry and excited,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports. ‘Being out for so long, especially if you don’t have an injury, is tough. I’m hungry to get back on the field and do what I love to do.”

He added: “It’s always unfinished business when you haven’t played for a while.

‘It’s in your head. It’s like I can’t wait to get back and do what everyone doesn’t expect me to do. I know there are a lot of people thinking, ‘Can he do this, or can he do that?’, or ‘What will he be like when he comes back?’

“I know what I’m capable of, so when I get on the field I think I’m just doing what I do best.”

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It was reported last week that Brentford have attached a £100million price tag to Toney as they look to keep their star striker, who is free to return to play on January 17.

When asked by journalist Darren Lewis if he was aiming for a place in Southgate’s squad for the Euros, Toney said: ‘100 per cent feel that is the target.

“That’s the goal, to try to get back into my shape and be involved in that. We know that there are other good attackers around and that they are doing well.

“It’s up to me to shoot back and put my name in the frame. That’s a goal for me and it will be a huge achievement.’

In the interview with Sky Sports, the Brentford striker also revealed that he would also be interested in taking up acting once he retires from professional football.

More to follow…