Brentford boss Thomas Frank was proven right in his decision not to risk Ivan Toney against Sheffield United as he backs ‘best player’ to show his quality against Luton

In a game crying out for a clinical touch in the final third, Thomas Frank showed both great foresight and impressive restraint in not risking Ivan Toney against Sheffield United.

Granted, a goal at 63 minutes perhaps eased the pressure for Brentford to introduce their talisman, but with relegation still a credible threat you would have forgiven Frank calling on the striker, who is still recovering from a hip injury.

Needless to say a player of the England striker’s calibre will prove decisive in the Bees’ quest to stay in the top flight, a challenge made much easier by a first win in two months.

Just three Brentford players have more league goals than Toney this term — and he only played his first game on January 20.

Toney remained on the bench as he watched his side pick up the three points on Saturday

‘Now we have the time to get him ready for Luton (on Saturday) and I’m convinced he will be ready,’ said Frank. 

‘It’s very difficult not to start Ivan because he’s our best player. He’s fantastic and not being tempted to put him on was the right decision. 

‘Now hopefully he’ll show on Saturday how good a decision it was.’