Aldridge won 69 caps for Republic of Ireland, scoring 19 goals

"These jobs don't come around every five minutes and I would love to manage an international team," Aldridge told the South Wales Echo newspaper.

"This is too good an opportunity to let pass me by, it's just so tempting. I posted my application last night."

Aldridge, who started his career at Newport, has been out of the game since resigning as Tranmere manager in 2001.

The former Republic of Ireland striker guided them to the 2000 Worthington Cup final, but decided to walk away a year later claiming the pressures of the job almost led to a mental and physical breakdown.

JOHN ALDRIDGE FACTFILE 1958 - born 18 September 1984 - moves to Oxford for �78,000. Wins League Cup medal 1987 - bought by Liverpool for �750,000. Wins FA Cup and league title during time there. 1991 - moves to Tranmere for �250,000. Tops First Division scoring charts in 1996. 1996 - becomes Tranmere's player-manager 2000 - guides Tranmere to Worthington Cup final. They are beaten by Leicester. 2001 - 17 March - resigns after Tranmere toss away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Barnsley

Aldridge added: "Mark Hughes did a fine job, but I had five successful years at Tranmere Rovers and was involved in international football for nearly 14 years taking in two World Cups and a European Championship so I know what's it all about.

"I am a very passionate man, football has always been my life. I was with Newport County for five years and I know how passionate the Welsh people are about their sport and in particular their football.

"To be honest, as soon as Mark Hughes announced officially that he was leaving it was always in my mind to have a go for the job and to contact the Football Association of Wales.

"In the last week or so I have had so many friends in the game - both footballers and managers - say to me that I should apply."

Aldridge joins former Wrexham and Swansea manager Brian Flynn in declaring an interest to succeed Hughes.

The FAW says it will take its time to appoint a new manager, and admitted the process could go on until the new year.