“I’ve been talking with Robbie about coming out to Australia, “ Ferguson said. “I’ve had a long standing relationship with his manager and have met with Robbie
socially a few times.

“He’s agreed to catch up in Townsville for a few days and obviously we’ll be talking about football – we’re looking for a marquee player and Robbie easily fits that position in any A-League football club.”

The meeting brings together one of Scotland’s most celebrated footballers and the striker Liverpool fans still call “God”.

“His record speaks for itself,” Ferguson said "He’s a pure goal scorer who would lift the profile of football in this country to a new level if he were to decide to play in the A-League.”