West Coast midfielder Tim Kelly says All-Australian teammate Jeremy McGovern is “raring to go” ahead of Sunday’s clash against Carlton.

McGovern has missed the past two games against fellow finals hopefuls Geelong and Collingwood because of a thumb injury.

Speaking to Radio 94.5 this morning, Kelly backed up coach Adam Simpson’s optimism on a McGovern return this weekend with his own.

MORE FOOTY: WA MAKES OFFICIAL BID FOR GRAND FINAL

KELLY ON WA FINALS HUB: ‘WE’D BE PRETTY TOUGH TO BEAT’

BRAYSHAW UNDER INJURY CLOUD FOR HAWKS CLASH

MICHAEL BARLOW: HOW CROWS CAN SOLVE THEIR ‘OWEN’ PROBLEM

“Yeah big Gov trained yesterday and he seemed good,” Kelly said.

“I’d love to have him back in.

“Obviously, he’s battling a thumb issue so we will see how he’s pulled up after our main training session.”

Despite the loss of McGovern in the past two weeks, the Eagles have continued their march into premiership contention with strong defensive showings to back up their relentless scoring and forward pressure.

However, Kelly tempered his optimism with caution, saying the defender would have to be fully confident in his thumb before he could return.

“We have got to make sure he gets it right,” Kelly said.

“The last thing we want is for him to come in early, but we back the big fella in. If he says he’s good to go, then he’s good to go.

“(McGovern) is a really important player for us so we’re keen to get him back, but we also just want him to be patient and get it right so we will see how we go.”

West Coast are also be hoping to name Liam Ryan in the side on Sunday after the forward was sent for scans during the week following a hamstring scare.

The AFL yesterday confirmed the Eagles will have at least three more games in the Perth hub, with a game scheduled against Greater Western Sydney in Round 13.

With five consecutive wins now under their belt, a win against Carlton would keep the Eagles in touch with the top four.