The former Celtic winger has signed a long term deal to return to his hometown club at the end of the season, following in the footsteps of his good friend and current Dundalk teammate Patrick McEleney.
It's a mouth-watering signing for Derry City fans as Higgins builds a formidable looking team capable of challenging for a first league title since 1997.
Since taking over the Brandywell reigns last April, Higgins has guided Derry from bottom of the table to fourth place, just three points behind the automatic European qualification spots.
He's brought in striker Jamie McGonigle from Crusaders, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe on loan from Dundalk, Bastien Hery on loan from Bohemians and former Portsmouth youngster Gerard Storey until the end of the 2022 season.
There's been mounting speculation that Dundalk's Will Patching and Bohs striker Georgie Kelly are also on Higgins' radar and could potentially be making a return to Brandywell next year. With that in mind, we've taken a look at what would be an exciting Derry City starting XI.
21. The future's bright, it's red and white
Jack Lemoignan has been back-up to Gartside this season. He will be hoping to force his way into Higgins' plans and get a run of games next year.
22. The future's bright, it's red and white
Who could be the next marquee player to come through the gates at Brandywell or will there be an emerging talent from the Academy?
23. The future's bright, it's red and white
Does Bastien Hery's future lie at Brandywell or will he return to parent club Bohemians?
24. The future's bright, it's red and white
Marc Walsh has showed how big an impact he can have in games but he's been restricted by a long term injury. Will he play a role next year?