Ivan Toney delivered a resounding message to his critics after scoring twice for Al Ahli – his first goals for his new club.

The England striker, making his third appearance for the Saudi Pro League side, netted a brace and provided an assist in a 4-2 victory over Damac.

Toney demonstrated he is more than just a goalscorer within the opening 15 minutes, drifting to the right wing before delivering a perfect pass to Gabri Veiga, who opened the scoring for Al Ahli.

Damac equalised in first-half stoppage time, but Toney did not have to wait long to find the net himself.

Almost immediately after the restart in the second half, Veiga turned provider, delivering the ball to the 28-year-old inside the box.

Toney showcased his poaching instincts, prodding the ball home to make it 2-1 with his first goal for the club.

He celebrated by placing his hand over his mouth and a finger in his ear.

Earlier this week, Toney was denied the chance to open his account when Riyad Mahrez took a penalty in the AFC Champions League against Persepolis – only to miss from 12 yards.

Damac levelled the score once more, before former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino restored Al Ahli's lead in injury time.

Incredibly, 15 minutes into added time, Toney scored his second of the game after VAR determined he was not offside, sealing the win with another poacher’s effort.

The result brings Al Ahli’s points tally to seven from four matches, placing them just behind Saudi Arabia's elite clubs.

Toney’s impressive goalscoring debut coincided with Ange Postecoglou addressing Tottenham’s pursuit of the player.

Spurs were strongly linked with a move for the Brentford striker but ultimately opted to pay £65 million to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth instead.

Explaining Tottenham’s decision not to sign Toney, Postecoglou said in his press conference: "We considered him, but in reality, Dom [Solanke] was the player I wanted. It took the entire summer to get him, but he fitted the profile we were looking for."

Solanke is yet to score in three appearances for Tottenham, but his move to north London paved the way for Toney’s £40 million transfer to Al Ahli.

After the same number of games for his new club, Toney now has two goals and an assist to his name.

Based on his performances thus far, Toney is likely to become a firm favourite in Saudi Arabia.