Thomas Frank hailed ‘remarkable’ striker Ivan Toney ahead of Brentford’s game against Fulham on Monday night.
With 14 goals in the Premier League this season, Toney has only been outscored by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.
“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank began.
“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing.
“He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable.
“I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member.
“Ivan trains well and he’s clearly the number two striker in England, that’s proven by his goals and performances."
Thomas Frank pre-Fulham press conference
“Ivan trains well and he’s clearly the number two striker in England, that’s proven by his goals and performances"
Frank on Fulham rivalry, Mitrovic threat and Brentford’s 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League
The Bees boss confirmed that Pontus Jansson and Frank Onyeka, having recovered from hamstring injuries, are now available for selection. Goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha (ankle) is Brentford’s only absentee.
Brentford lost the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage in August - Aleksandar Mitrovic netting an 88th-minute winner – and Frank said that he was looking forward to another ‘feisty’ west London derby atmosphere at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“My experiences of our games against Fulham are that they are feisty and very good games.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and I know our fans are looking forward to it. Me, the coaching staff and the players – we know how important the game is to our fans.
“What a moment in Fulham’s history, and our history, to face each other, in the best league in the world, with both teams in the top half. I’m pleased about that, and also for Fulham, because it just gives the game a little more bite. It’s very nice.”