Essendon Coach James Hird says Jobe Watson will remain Captain if he wants to continue in the role.

Dyson Heppell has assumed on-field leadership responsibilities in the absence of Watson who is recovering from a shoulder injury.

But normal service will resume when Watson fully recovers, if he wants it that way.

“If Jobe thinks that he’s the best person to be Captain and wants to Captain, I think the job is his,” Hird said.

Watson has led the club for the past six seasons.

Hird also captained the Bombers during his playing career before handing over the job to Matthew Lloyd.

“I think it was beneficial to both myself and ‘Lloydy’ to actually step down and hand over the captaincy and be there while ‘Lloydy’ cut his teeth in the role and help him.

“That may be what Jobe wants to do but we’ve still got seven games to go in the season and that decision doesn’t have to be made for a long time.”

Regardless of whether he continues as Captain, Hird expects Watson to return hungry to help the club’s push for finals success.

“I can’t see Jobe leaving football.  I think he still loves the game,” Hird said.

“I think its been a tough few years like it has for a lot of players but I think you’ll see a player next year who is ready, committed and ready to play the game at the highest level again.”