In late January, fullback Heffernan negotiated a release from Central Coast to make the switch to the Terriers until the end of the UK season.

He has impressed manager Lee Clark and the 29-year-old hopes the stint at Galpharm Stadium will boost his World Cup chances with the Socceroos.

However Heart, who have signed Heffernan for the club's inaugural season in the A-League, say they are very confident the talented left-sided defender will be in red and white next season.

But a Heffernan back-up plan is in place should circumstances change at season's end.

"With all our signings, we have a plan B, C, D and so on," Heart's Head of Football Operations John Didulica told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"I spoke to him yesterday and he's seen the logo and he can't wait to wear it. He'll be back but if things accelerate based on the World Cup, we'd reconsider things."

Heffernan played on Saturday for Town but picked up an injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Carlisle at Galpharm. Anthony Pilkington's header had given the home side a 50th minute lead, but Ben Marshall equalised later in the half.

The Aussie was subbed in the 75th minute but received the plaudits of his manager.

"I thought Dean showed he has good energy and good fitness levels, but he picked up a niggly groin injury so we brought him off," Clark told the club's website.

The former Sydney United and Nurnberg player was one of four new signings to boost Town's push for the Championship next season alongside centre-backs Krystian Pearce and Neal Trotman and striker Nathan Eccleston.

And if Heffernan realises his World Cup dream, he'll join Huddersfield's Ron Staniforth, Bill McGarry and Ray Wilson who played in World Cups for England in the previous century.

What's more, if he does make Pim Verbeek's squad - to be announced in May - it will inflate his market value. If the promotion chasing League One side, or another club, wanted to sign Heffernan, Heart may do some good business for a player who is yet to even play for them.

But Didulica is not banking on Heffernan - who starred in Australia's 2-2 draw with Kuwait in January - being overseas next season.

"I'm not frightened," he said. "Our expectations are that he'll be back. There are so many ifs and buts, it's not something we can address now but based on the conversations we've had, it's unlikely. But we'd consider it."

In other Heart news, the club has already been approached by a group of fans who want to form the club's official supporter group, and a major sponsorship deal is understood to be close to being announced