The 29-year-old left-back, who left Central Coast last week to link up with Huddersfield, admits the move is all about maintaining hope of making the Socceroos' World Cup squad.

Heffernan has won two international caps, both in primarily Australia-based Roos squads, but he impressed on the left in his recent outing against Kuwait and even scored a goal.

He told the official Huddersfield website: "It is a long way from home but at the end of the day it's for football and it's something I've always wanted to do, so it wasn't a hard decision to come here.

"I have a massive opportunity with the World Cup approaching - that is the main driving force behind the move.

"League One will be a step-up from the A-League - the game here is played at a much faster pace and with more intensity. For me this is a step in the right direction and the national coach was very positive about me coming here to continue to play games."

Heffernan also revealed how the deal came about.

"I got back from the national team training camp and I was having breakfast with one of my teammates from the UK, Matt Crowell. He told me that his agent might be able to get me an opportunity in England," Heffernan said.

"I have always wanted to come and play in England, so it went from there."

And the left-back, affectionately known as 'Sonic', admitted he only knew positive things about third tier Huddersfield Town, who were last in the English top flight back in 1972.

"There are a couple of British lads in the Mariners squad - Matt Crowell, Jonathan Brown, Nicky Travis and Chris Doig - and they had only good things to say about Huddersfield Town.

"Everything I have heard about the Club is very positive, in particular the coaching staff - I haven't heard a bad word about them. The move has worked out really well for me; it seems like the perfect place to be at the moment."

He added: "Individually they are all good players, but I knew coming from Australia to here that they would all be technically superior. The youth setups over here compared with what we have in Australia are totally different. I could tell straight away that everyone here can really play.

"It's a beautiful stadium. It's closer to the pitch than I'm used to - back in Australia the stands are a little further back - so I'm expecting a great atmosphere."

Heffernan may not be available for Saturday's League One clash with Yeovil Town as he awaits the arrival of his international clearance, but he admits he's itching to get involved with the seventh-placed Terriers.

"The prospect of playing on Saturday is really exciting. Upon my arrival in the country all I wanted to do is train and meet the boys - it's a bit like the first day at school - but now it's all about the first game.

"It would be a big three points for the team at Yeovil, because I know the Club is pushing hard for promotion this year.

"I don't like to talk about myself; I'll let the fans decide about me for themselves. All I will say is that I will give everything I have and more every time I walk out on the pitch."