Alastair Clarkson’s return to the coaches box could make things even tougher for North Melbourne on Friday night.

Clarkson, diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the end of May, temporarily stepped down as senior coach between Rounds 11 to 15 to aid his recovery.

The two-time premiership coach saw a specialist on Monday morning and was given the OK to resume his role as senior coach.

“It’s fantastic to see him back. I caught up with Clarko last week and he looked in great spirits. He looked physically really good,” Brad Scott said on Monday.

“I think the whole AFL community has been really concerned for him and it’s great to see him back.”

Brendon Bolton took the reins in Clarkson’s absence and boasted five wins from five games, but the impact of a two-time premiership coach can’t be underestimated.

“It’s going to make our job harder. As good a job as Brendon’s been doing, Clarkson’s as good as a coach as there is in the country at the moment.”

North has lost its last four matches against the Hawks, dating back to 2010.

Another defeat at Etihad Stadium could potentially put the Kangaroos outside the eight, with both Adelaide and Essendon ready to pounce.

“He was up in Brisbane scouting our game, so hopefully he thinks we are going to play like that again,” Scott joked.