;I wasn't able to play football...Other people are fighting for their lives'

TONEY OPENS UP ON EXILE

- HARRY BRENT

IVAN TONEY has opened up on his football exile ahead of his impending Brentford return.

The 27-year-old is approaching the end of his eight-month suspension having admitted to more than 200 breaches of FA gambling rules last year.

His ban runs until a week today and he is set to play a part in Brentford's clash with Nottingham Forest on the following Saturday.

The England man has been training with his team-mates since September but for the first four months of his ban he was not allowed to participate in any footballing activities whatsoever.

Toney said of his mental health: "It was a bit of a roller coaster. But I feel I'm quite strong. And I just look at the positives in life.