Former Everton and Southampton striker James Beattie is understood to have applied for the vacant manager’s job at Gillingham.

The 36-year-old kept Accrington Stanley in League 2 last season but left early on in during the current campaign with the club at the wrong end of the division.

Beattie won five England caps during a successful playing career which began at Blackburn Rovers.

He then spent seven years at Southampton before his goal-scoring form earned him a £6m move to Everton.

The striker followed up that move with spells at Sheffield United (twice), Stoke and Glasgow Rangers. He eventually made a surprise move to Accrington where he took over as player-coach.

During his time with Stanley he netted against the Gills, from the penalty spot. In the summer of 2013 he was appointed manager but left in September this year.

He disclosed that he had applied for the job to broadcaster Sonali Shah on BBC Radio 4.

Gillingham have been searching for a new manager following the sacking of Peter Taylor on New Year's Eve.

Gills chairman Paul Scally is expected to start the interview process imminently, as he decides who he wants to talk to from a list of over 70 applicants.

Mr Scally has refused to rule anyone in or out of the job.

He said: “I would never say either way. It is not fair on those who have or haven’t applied.

“We won’t fuel speculation and we won’t confirm or deny anything. That is the way it has to be for the integrity of those who are applying.

“If Alex Ferguson applied he wouldn’t necessarily want it to be all over the papers. Therefore, we have to respect this is a serious matter, it is about people’s livelihoods.”

It is believed that Brighton no.2 Nathan Jones - a former favourite with the bookies - has not applied for the job.

On Tuesday, chairman Paul Scally ruled out for current caretaker team for the job.