[2] In 1956, Kilmarnock manager Malky McDonald saw Higginson playing in a junior match and invited the youngster to a trial with the Scottish League club.
[2] He impressed enough to win a contract, but departed Killie in the summer of 1959 without making an appearance,[2] having missed two years due to his National Service and a ligament injury.
[3] Along with fellow Scot John Docherty, Higginson reunited with manager Malky McDonald at English Third Division club Brentford in June 1959, as cover for forward Jim Towers.
[5] For the following game versus Bournemouth, Higginson replaced club legend Jim Towers in the line-up and the Griffin Park support responded by booing manager Malky McDonald's decision.
[6] Moving back to a left half position, Higginson earned a reputation as a hard man after rugby tackling a Hartlepools United player during a 4–0 victory in October 1962, escaping with only a booking.
[2] Prior to becoming a footballer, Higginson was a champion youth boxer and athlete in Scotland, taking part in the Border Games and running professionally.