FORMER Celtic and Milan star Massimo Donati has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next Raith Rovers manager.

The 37-year-old is currently out of work following a brief stint with St Mirren and is keen to embark on his coaching career in Scotland.

It is understood Donati has registered his interest in the vacancy at Stark’s Park following the shock departure of Barry Smith on Tuesday.

Donati spent two years at Celtic from 2007, helping the Hoops win the SPL and League Cup, while he boasts more than 300 appearances in Serie A.

English coach Gregg Ryder, who was formerly assistant to assistant manager to Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson and has managed Throttur Reykjavik, is also thought to have applied.

Ryder was interviewed for the Morton post prior to the appointment of Ray McKinnon and was also keen on the vacancy at Livingston following the departure of David Hopkin during the summer.

Raith have also received applications from as far afield as Canada and have scheduled a board meeting for next Monday to whittle down their swathe of applicants down to a shortlist. Kevin Cuthbert will take charge of Rovers for today’s Irn-Bru Cup trip to Ross County.

Rovers chairman Bill Clark said: “We’ve had applications from all sorts or people – some seasoned coaches, some young people with little experience. Some people in jobs, some people out of jobs.

“We will draw up a criteria as a board, professionally and sensibly, and look at who is available and who is the right person for the job.”