Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has confirmed Ed Richards will return for Friday night’s clash with the top of the ladder Magpies.

The 24-year-old will return after missing the past four games due to the hamstring strain he sustained against Geelong.

After back to back wins against North Melbourne and Fremantle, Beveridge said the club will be boosted by the return of star half-back.

“He’s ready and he’s progressed pretty well through our return to play protocols and he’s trained extremely hard” Beveridge told reporters at the VU Whitten Oval on Thursday.

“He’s ticked everything off, he’s worked extremely hard and he’s done enough training and preparation to be ready.”

Speaking after the Bulldogs’ Captain’s Run on Thursday, Beveridge joked that there was a bidding war going on between midfield coach Brendon Lade and backline coach Rohan Smith for the services of Caleb Daniel on Friday night.

“With Ed coming back, will have some flexibility,” he said.

“We don’t anticipate having too much change with our side so you’ll probably find him at different stages running through our midfield.”

Beveridge was hopeful that young gun Sam Darcy would play a role in the back end of the season as he closes in on a return from injury.

“He’s one game back now, he kicked a few goals,” he said.

“Now it’s just about exposure, that time at state league level.

“There’s every chance that he comes back in and plays, whether that be through form or injury.”