The talented attacking leftback is currently in England and will remain there with the League One outfit which is currently in the mix for promotion.

After missing Friday night's spite night match with Gold Coast United due to injury, Heffernan, 29, flew out to the UK on Sunday night.

Heffernan will join Melbourne Heart next season but sees the move as ideal to keep his World Cup ambitions alive after a sensational game for the national team against Kuwait earlier this month.

In the Asian Cup qualifier, Heffernan scored for Australia and helped set up another for Luke Wilkshire in the 2-2 draw. 

It's another headache for Central Coast which could potentially lose midfielder Mike McGlinchey for similar reasons.

The All-White midfielder could be loaned out to Motherwell although the deal will need to be ratified by the Mariners' board which will discuss the move after this weekend's game away to Perth.