UPDATE: Hird 'can't wait' to return to Bombers

Suspended Essendon coach James Hird says he “can’t wait” to return to the club after cutting short an overseas stay in Europe.

Hird, who was on a study trip in France while serving out a 12-month suspension from the AFL over Essendon’s 2012 supplements scandal, returned to Melbourne last night. He was not expected to return to Australia until next week.

“I’m looking forward to heading back to Essendon,” he told reporters outside his Toorak home last night.

“I can’t wait to be back.”

Hird was reportedly looking “relaxed” onboard the flight from Singapore, according to other passengers.

When asked what is role would be when his suspension ends in round 23 in September, Hird said he would discuss it with Essendon coach Mark “Bomber” Thompson.

“I haven’t caught up with Bomber yet, but we’ll catch up now I’m back,” he said.

Thompson , who was appointed Essendon’s coach in Hird’s absence has previously said he and Hird would “talk” upon his return.

With Hird’s suspension to lift in round 23 and the Bombers likely to make the finals, he’s tipped to have a match-day role during September’s finals season.

Essendon chairman Paul Little has declared Hird will coach the club in 2015.

Thompson to talk future with Hird