Kyle Langford is expected to line-up predominantly in the midfield when he runs out to take on the Swans on Friday night.

The 20 year old was recalled to the team alongside Shaun McKernan to replace the injured Cale Hooker and David Myers.

Langford played the opening four matches of the season in the AFL before being sent back to the VFL to develop his midfield game.

He has averaged 25 disposals, six marks and seven tackles per game at VFL level this season.

“He’ll still get some time through the forward line but we’re building him up and giving him big opportunities to build his ability to play as a midfielder,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“That was the idea of having him back in the VFL – he’ll get a lot quicker development and ability to come back into the side and spend time in the midfield.

“We know he can play well forward and contribute there.

“It has been more about building him as a midfielder and he’s coming along really well.”

McKernan’s call up also comes on the back of sustained good form at VFL level.

The versatile big man kicked four goals in his last start against Footscray and has kicked 15 goals for the season.

“With Matthew Leuenberger being back in the VFL team, it’s meant that Shaun has been able to play pretty much solely as a key forward and he has been in outstanding form there taking a lot of marks and kicking goals,” Worsfold said.

“We really want him to come in and give us that presence up in the forward line as another tall player.

“[Joe] Daniher and [James] Stewart are working really well together so they’ll guide him in his role.

“He may do a little bit of ruck work but in general we want him to impact the game as a key forward.”

The Bombers are in eighth spot on the ladder and face a Sydney outfit that has won five of its last six matches.

“They’ve been in very good form, leading the competition in a number of areas so they’re going to be a great test for us and one that we should be excited about,” Worsfold said.