Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick as he continued his build-up to his return to first-team action as the striker played 75 minutes in Brentford B's 5-1 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Southampton Under-23s.
The forward is available for Brentford's next Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on 20 January, after his eight-month suspension for betting-related charges ends on 17 January.
And the 27-year-old showed just why he will be a welcome boost to Brentford after netting a treble in the match.
🎩 @ivantoney24 in the goals
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 6, 2024
Enjoy the Big Man's hat-trick ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1IVPOduBeD
He scored in the fourth minute after sweeping in from a cross at the front post before putting two headers away.
Toney then turned provider by squaring the ball for Iwan Morgan to net with his first touch just past the hour.
Toney scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season, playing a crucial role in the Bees' impressive ninth-place finish.
His return is timely for Brentford as leading scorer Bryan Mbeumo is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, while fellow forward Yoane Wissa has joined up with DR Congo for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Brentford have struggled recently, having lost their last five matches in the Premier League which has slid them down to 16th in the table and only four points above 18th-place Luton Town.
