FORMER Rangers star Russell Latapy has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant St Mirren managerial post.
Record Sport understands that the Trinidadian is bidding to replace Ian Murray in Paisley and would be extremely keen to talk to the Saints board about the position.
Murray quit the club after last Saturday’s 1-0 loss at his old club Dumbarton that leaves the Buddies languishing in third bottom spot in the Championship with just two wins from 16 matches.
Latapy, who gained 81 international caps for Trinidad and Tobago, stepped down from his role as Inverness Caley Thistle assistant to John Hughes back in July.
The 47-year-old ex-Hibs, Rangers, Dundee United and Falkirk midfielder helped Hughes guide the Highlanders to their historic first Scottish Cup success at Hampden in May.
Now Latapy is keen to establish himself as a boss in his own right.
He applied to replace Ian Baraclough in the Motherwell hotseat in October but lost out to Mark McGhee.
Former St Mirren gaffer Alex Miller – who was No.2 to Murray – and keeper Jamie Langfield have been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs as the Paisley club look to appoint their fifth manager in two seasons.
However, Latapy faces stiff competition to land the job. His old Ibrox team-mate Barry Ferguson, currently in charge of Clyde, has been installed as the bookies’ favourite to succeed Murray.
Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline boss Jimmy Calderwood and Ayr gaffer Ian McCall as well as ex-St Mirren players Billy Davies, Ian Ferguson, Kenny McDowall and Jamie Fullarton are also in the running.
Other names in the frame include former Rangers, Sunderland and Wolves star Alex Rae.
Experienced Greek coach Savas Pantelidis has also submitted his CV. The 50-year-old is out of work but has coached Panthrakikos, Giannina and Levadiakos in his homeland.