Newcastle fans gutted by ‘hurtful’ Toney after what pundit saw on Saturday
Newcastle United will be ‘frustrated’ by Ivan Toney’s development at Brentford, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Premier League goalscorer, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the 25-year-old “came back to haunt” the Magpies on Saturday.
Toney scored yesterday as Brentford drew 3-3 with Newcastle in Eddie Howe’s first game in charge.
The Magpies signed Toney from Northampton in August 2015.
However, he struggled for game time at St. James’ Park before completing a permanent move to Peterborough United in August 2018.
When asked by Football Insider if Newcastle would have been frustrated by Toney’s performance, Phillips said: “I think yes and no.
“It is one of those. It was years ago that Toney was there. No-one could have predicted him going on to achieve what he has.
“The player deserves a lot of credit because he has had to drop down and work his way back up to the top. He has done it the hard way.
“I’m sure the Newcastle fans would love to have him in their side now though. Toney and Callum Wilson would be a right handful. In that sense it’s hurtful and frustrating.
“He hurt Newcastle yesterday. He came back to haunt them.
“It was a cracking atmosphere but once again Brentford showed that they are a tough team to play against.”
Toney has contributed three goals and two assists in 12 Premier League appearances this season.
He has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has made a ‘huge’ claim after Newcastle chief Staveley confirms talks with three clubs.