James Hird says Jobe Watson will take on Collingwood at the MCG

THE MATCH: JOBE Watson will take on Collingwood at the MCG tomorrow coach James Hird insisted today.

Jobe Watson

JOBE Watson will take on Collingwood at the MCG tomorrow coach James Hird insisted today.

The Bombers' captain broke his collarbone against Port Adelaide on July 7 and had surgery the following day.

He trained with teammates at Windy Hill this morning, but onlookers could not see if he was wearing any padding or strapping as he was wearing a jacket over his training top.

Hird said he was confident the club is placing no undue risk on Watson's shoulder by playing him against the Magpies.

He said the Brownlow medallist would not have to wear a protective guard while playing.

"I think that's the doctor's call and the surgeon's call and they're very confident,'' Hird said.

"They're very confident he'll get through the game and have no problems. And if they're confident, we're confident.

"His shoulder is good and he's ready to play.''

Hird unsure if he'll get report

With Michael Hurley out injured, Stewart Crameri returning via the VFL today from an injury of his own and young gun Joe Daniher omitted, Scott Gumbleton will lead the Essendon's attack against Collingwood.

The 25-year-old has seemingly overcome the back issues that have plagued him since he was drafted with pick No.2 in 2006, but has been restricted to just five senior games this year due to a combination of team balance and an ankle injury.

Hird said he would place no extra pressure on Gumbleton to perform in the absence of Hurley and Crameri.

"Scotty's been in really good form in the reserves and played at a really high standard for a long time,'' Hird said.

"He played some (senior) games early in the year, got an ankle injury, and he's worked his way back in to the team, really forced his way back in to the team.

"I think one of the benefits of having so many quality talls in our team is that they have to put the acid on themselves.

"We've got a lot of options up forward and down back in that tall situation so they understand that to get back in to that team you've got to force your way in _ we don't hand out opportunities in that area. Scott's done that and hopefully he can put some great form on the board tomorrow afternoon.''

Hird said ruckmen Paddy Ryder and Tom Bellchambers would also spend more time up forward.