Well done Seminole! Your first post and you've started an argument! Welcome to Pprune, and the ME section in particular!
If you have 4000hrs inclusive of 2000 jet time you are eligable. You don't need a reference, though an internal reccomendation doesn't hurt.
Obviously with the current international situation, there are lots of applicants, so it is much more competitive than previously, but put in the application and see what happens.
Best of luck!!