Ivan Toney insists he's not competing with Cristiano Ronaldo in 'tough' Saudi Pro League as ex-Brentford star addresses speculation over his England future

The former Brentford star left the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League in the summer, joining Al-Ahli in a £34 million (€40m) deal. The 28-year-old forward has made a solid start to his new journey, scoring four goals in 10 appearances across all competitions.

The English attacker is relishing his experience in the Middle East and sharing the limelight with world-class forwards like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, however, he made it very clear that is not looking to compete with the Portuguese legend and will instead focus on his own progress.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Toney said: "I always set targets for myself and hopefully I can hit them. I know you're probably going to ask me what my target is but it doesn't come out. It only comes out when I hit it come the end of the season. So, hopefully I can keep playing well and score goals to help the team and help to win the games."

When asked about facing competition from Ronaldo, the striker added: "I don't watch what other people are doing. Obviously we know Ronaldo is a top player but I'll concentrate on myself and do what I can do best. It's all good coming up against these players, but we're not here to idolise them, we're here to beat them."

At the time of Toney's transfer to Saudi Arabia, former Arsenal star Alan Smith had issued a warning that he might not get picked for the England national team after moving to an inferior league. Responding to the criticism, Toney said: "I'm only in control of what I can do on the pitch. If that's the case, that they see me coming here is damaging my chances, then I can't really change that. But, all I can do is focus on myself and play well, and who knows what can happen."

The ex-Bees striker further stressed the competitiveness of the Saudi league as he added: "This league is a tough league. Obviously everybody has their opinion, doesn't mean it's factual. Like I said, I'm here to focus on myself, concentrate on myself and what will be, will be. If I were to get back involved in the mix on the international stage, then I'm ready for it. If not, then it is what it is."

Al-Ahli and Toney will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday as they take on Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante's Al-Ittihad in a blockbuster encounter.