Appleton now vying with Dickov to take charge at the Keepmoat

The pair are believed to be two of four candidates who Rovers directors will speak to about the Keepmoat Stadium job, with chief executive Gavin Baldwin confirming that the club hope to finish interviewing early next week – ahead of unveiling the new manager ‘at the earliest possible convenience.’

Dickov has been the short-priced favourite to take over since it was decided that Brian Flynn would not be handed the Rovers job on a full-time basis despite guiding the side to the League One title in dramatic fashion last month.

The 40-year-old, a free agent since leaving Oldham Athletic in February, is well known to Rovers chairman John Ryan, who has been impressed by the early managerial career of the Scot, whose Latics side dumped Doncaster out of the FA Cup in December.

Ryan confirmed his interest in talking to him about the Rovers job earlier this month.

Dickov, who lives close to Ryan in Cheshire, is understood to have been a regular at Rovers games since leaving Boundary Park.

But former Blackburn Rovers chief Appleton has emerged as a serious rival contender, with the 37-year-old seeking a return to football after being dramatically axed by the Ewood Park board in March, just 67 days after moving to the club from Blackpool.

Appleton’s odds plummeted yesterday, with both he and Dickov seemingly fitting Ryan’s desire to appoint a ‘young and progressive boss’ to lead their Championship crusade.

Baldwin said: “The quality of applicants has been pleasing and we feel that the four candidates that have been short-listed are the best suited to Doncaster Rovers.

“We set an 18-point criteria outlining the qualities which we believe are required to help move this club forward.”