Ivan Toney to play in behind-closed doors friendly for Brentford on Tuesday

Ivan Toney will return to action for Brentford in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The striker received FA clearance to partake in the fixture as he steps up his efforts to return to action next year.

Toney is currently serving an eight-month suspension for breaching FA betting rules.

As a result, the 27-year-old has not played since facing Liverpool back in May.

The first four months of Toney's ban meant that he was unable to train with his Brentford teammates, although he was permitted to attend the training ground to undergo treatment on a hamstring injury.

As well as being fined £50,000, that period ended on September 17 with Toney now able to train with the rest of Thomas Frank's squad.

The striker's ban officially ends on January 16 and as a result, Toney is stepping up his fitness efforts to ensure that he's ready and raring to go in the New Year.

Brentford were made to check with the FA regarding the rules for arranging behind-closed-doors friendlies as part of Toney's comeback, with no supporters being allowed to attend and only staff from the two involved clubs being present.

Subsequently both sides were also under orders to keep details of opponents and the location under wraps.

Brentford will be desperate to get Toney back in action after recording just one victory in seven Premier League matches this term.

However, with Chelsea are Arsenal reportedly interested in a move, it remains to be seen if he'll turn out for the Bees again.

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