Hignett progressed through the youth ranks with Liverpool, signing a professional contract in November 1963.
His solitary first-team appearance for the Reds came in the final league game of the 1964–65 season, helping Liverpool to a 3–1 First Division victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
[1] Hignett remained at Anfield the following season without adding to his appearance tally.
[2] He made his debut on 10 September 1966 in a 3–0 defeat by Crewe Alexandra and played in six successive games in the number three shirt.
[2] This was to be his last professional appearance in England as Hignett moved to Australia and played football for several years in New South Wales.