Higgins, now 34, is in semi-retirement after becoming Gold Coast United’s goalkeeper coach last season.

However if Celtic did decide to visit Australia – with speculation the tour could be announced as early as today – it would be a sweet way for the 201cm keeper to officially retire.

“I was in the Gold Coast United office and I just read it on au.fourfourtwo.com that Celtic might be coming so I’d love to finish my career on that game," he said.

“Playing in Scotland as a number one keeper at Falkirk was special. And being a lifelong Celtic fan obviously it was fantastic to play against them at Parkhead in front of 60,000.

“The fans probably had a few bevies before the game so they were extra loud and vocal … It was two days before Christmas and the atmosphere was great although we lost 1-0 to Celtic thanks to a Thomas Graveson goal.

“It was unbelievable when you have that crowd around you… that’ll remain in my memory forever.”

Higgins joined Falkirk in 2007 and has also enjoyed stints in Israel, Adelaide and with Brisbane Roar before joining Gold Coast two seasons ago where he started in the club’s inaugural match.

“It’d be fantastic not just for me but for the Gold Coast if Celtic came here," he said. "They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and they were up in Brisbane last year with a good turnout so something like that on the Gold Coast would be fantastic."

Higgins, one of the real characters of the A-League, is now concentrating on building his coaching credentials.

With that in mind, he visited the AIS last week to observe training where a number of national teams were in camp including the Olyroos, Young Socceroos, the Matildas and national girls U/17s.

After completing his FFA level one goalkeeper coaching course under instructor and Socceroo keeper coach Tony Franken, Cairns-born Higgins will take a level two FFA goalkeeper course this July as he continues to expand his knowledge.

He added: “Getting down to Canberra and watching Tony work was a good opportunity for me to learn from him.

"A lot of goalkeeper drills are pretty standard but there were a few things I’ve never seen before.  How he coaches throughout the drills I really picked up on.

“And I’ll continue to learn as much as I can. I’m obviously very keen to get involved in whatever way I can.”

Former Bundesliga and Perth Glory keeper Frank Juric was also at the AIS last week as the FFA continues to help former players pass on their knowledge.

Higgins was the Gold Coast United goalkeeper coach last season though he was still registered in case of an emergency.

Number one glovesman Glen Moss enjoyed an outstanding campaign at United while number two Jerrad Tyson has been called up to the Olyroos camp.

Higgins added: “I think it is beneficial for the boys to have a coach who’s just come out of the A-League who knows what it’s all about so I’ve stepped straight into it and it’s a natural progression.”