New United defender Bas Van Den Brink arrived as an unknown on the glitter strip but is destined to become a household name in the A-League, according to Higgins.

Van Den Brink's performance at the heart of Gold Coast's defence was rock solid in the new boys' 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar last Saturday.

It seemed nothing could get past the big, blond bulwark who combined brawn with a keen sense of anticipation as he ably marshalled Brisbane's strike weapon Sergio Van Dijk.

Roar's only goal came from a spot kick after Matt Osman's indiscretion inside the box. Van Den Brink even came to the rescue of Higgins.

"Bas has been solid the whole pre-season and again on Saturday night he was solid and commanding and he just gets himself in the right areas," Higgins told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"He's a very smart footballer and thankfully for me he got himself in a perfect position when I had a bit of a howler and kicked it into their striker and lucky enough Bas was there.

"Come the end of the season, I'll probably owe him a few beers," Higgins said with a smile.

The 26-year-old Amsterdam-born defender may just be one of the signings of the season after Van Den Brink had previously enjoyed a modest career in the Netherlands with Utrecht, Emmen and Omniworld.

It was the Omniworld link that brought him to the A-League with Gold Coast player Zenon Caravella also at the Dutch Eerste Divisie club.

He was spotted by United coach Miron Bleiberg during his off-season player recruitment trip.

"He's come here an unknown and has been a real standout for us," said Higgins.

Number one keeper choice Jess Vanstrattan's chances of playing this weekend have improved but it's expected that Higgins will remain in goals for the follow-up Queensland derby against Fury at Skilled Park.

Vanstrattan sought treatment on Monday for a suspected torn tendon injury he sustained last week at training. The former Juventus shotstopper has been able to walk in recent days and the swelling has gone down, but at this stage more treatment may be required.

If so, Higgins - nicknamed Giggles - would appear to be in line for his second game with United this Saturday night.

And after Saturday night's encouraging performance, bubbly Higgins, 33, is looking forward to a second Queensland derby in as many weeks.

Standing out for Higgins has been an increase in intensity and professionalism on a daily basis for the A-League newcomers.

It's part of a football culture that Gold Coast hope will bring success - and the man showing the way is Jason Culina.

Culina has regularly undertaken "extras" after regular training. Additional shooting, running and strength and conditions work has set the example for a club that wants to build its flashy image on the foundations of hard work.

Higgins added: "Everyone's work-rate has lifted since he arrived at the club. It seems to me, he never stops. He's just a model professional. He does all the right things on and off the park.

"The other boys see and it rubs off on not only on the young boys who see he is a current Socceroo but us older boys too."