Brentford striker Ivan Toney says rejection by Newcastle United inspired his career rise.

Toney thought he'd hit the big time in 2015 when he left hometown club Northampton for St James' Park.

But the move turned into a nightmare, with Toney making just two appearances in between being sent out on-loan six times in three seasons to places including Barnsley, Shrewsbury and Scunthorpe.

He joined Peterborough in a £600,000 deal in 2018 and following 40 goals in 76 league games earned a switch to Brentford two seasons later for £5m.

New England squad member Toney said: "I would say leaving Newcastle when I went to Peterborough, that was an eye-opener.

"That was like 'right, I have to turn my game around to get back up, I might see myself as a Premier League player, but I am a League One player now, I have got to keep fighting and working hard' - and I certainly did that.

"That was a factor that did come into play, (proving Newcastle wrong). I felt like: 'you got rid of me. I am going to show you what I am capable of when I get the chance, whether it is a Premier League side or a League One side.'

"When I left Newcastle and went to Peterborough, I wasn't straight in the team so I had to work much harder. It was about being patient and when your chance comes to take it with both hands. I certainly did that.

"Looking back if I was a Newcastle owner or manager looking back at a 20-year-old Ivan Toney, would I have taken him? Probably not. They have done what they had to do. They felt I wasn't good enough, so it was up to me to pick myself up and go again."