Pep Guardiola has praised Ivan Toney as an ‘extraordinary player’ ahead of Manchester City’s trip to face Brentford on Monday night.
Toney is back in the Brentford team after returning from an eight-month suspension and has scored in each of his two Premier League appearances this season.
The 27-year-old will hope he can find the form to break back into the England squad ahead of this summer’s European Championship, following his ban for breaching the FA’s gambling rules.
Toney scored both goals as Brentford beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad last season and Guardiola said the Premier League is a better place for the forward’s return.
“He is an exceptional player. He is an extraordinary player. I’m happy he is back and hopefully that period is forgotten. Exceptional players are more than welcome in the Premier League.”
Guardiola confirmed he has a full squad available for the trip to West London as the Citizens look to record a ninth consecutive win in all competitions. The Spaniard said leading scorer Erling Haaland, who came on as a substitute against Burnley in midweek, is fit to start.
“Everybody is fit, everybody is ready. Manuel [Akanji] is back as well. The busy period is here, and the Champions League is around the corner. It’s good to have everyone.”
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