Ivan Toney claims that missing the 2014 World Cup was a greater penalty than the suspension he received for violating Football Association betting regulations.


In May, the Brentford striker received an eight-month suspension after confessing to 232 betting-related infractions.


He was dropped from Gareth Southgate's 26-man World Cup team after being charged in November.


"Support is good, but how I am, I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me," he told the Kick Game YouTube channel.


"Even though I miss eight months of football, that was the biggest punishment, to miss out on a World Cup – everyone's dream – it is bigger than missing eight months of football."


After receiving his first call-up to Southgate's squad in September of last year, Toney earned his first England cap as a late substitute in the 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying victory over Ukraine in March.


The 27-year-old, who received a reduced suspension due to a recognized gambling addiction, won't be permitted to play until January 17, 2024.


Four months before the ban expires, on September 17, he can resume training with Brentford.


"I done what I done before, the punishment is the punishment and get on with it," Toney said.


"I just have to focus on when I come back training. I want to be a different animal when I come back. It's going to be frightening."


With 20 goals, Toney finished third in the Premier League last season and guided Brentford to a ninth-place finish.