At 33, the 71-cap Socceroos utility cites the influence of coach Neil Lennon - and what he can learn from the ex-Celtic boss - as paramount among his reasons for joining SPL side Hibernian.
Milligan made his debut off the bench in the weekend’s 3-2 win over Kilmarnock, and while in no hurry to mothball his boots, is determined to stay in football once that moment finally arrives.
“Neill was the main reason I came here because I feel I can learn from him at this club and continue to improve as a player,” he said.
“There are always things you can do better and Neil Lennon is very demanding in that respect, which I really like.
“Hopefully I’ll be involved in this game long past my playing days.
“You have to look towards the future and I’ve been fortunate to have worked for some very good coaches.
“Right now, as a player, the boss is somebody I think can continue to teach me things.
“In the long run, down the track, it might hopefully lead to other things as well.”
But with a two-year contract in Edinburgh, and playing in a league brimming with Australians, Milligan is committed to wringing every last drop out of a playing career which has spanned 16 years and 12 clubs, with Hibs his first foray into Europe after previous work permit barriers.
“I had a decision to make and I definitely feel Hibs was the right choice for me,” he added.
“It’s something very different and very new and a challenge I am looking forward to.
“It’s an adventure and from what I’ve seen so far the standard is very good.”
Milligan came off the bench along with Socceroos teammate Jamie Maclaren in the 72nd against Kilmarnock with the scores locked at 2-2.
Maclaren won the penalty which decided the contest, with Milligan impressed by the atmosphere and the desire of his teammates.
In a dig at FFA’s much ridiculed plan to trial music at goal kicks, corners and substitutions this season, Milligan added: “There was no music being played on corner kicks or anything but the atmosphere was still amazing!
“I like to think it (the idea) won’t get off the ground (in Australia) but you never know.”
Milligan was unsure whether he would continue his 13-year national team career after the World Cup - but this month’s camp under new boss Graham Arnold in Turkey has convinced him to play on.
“It’s always a difficult transition when new coaches come in, and we’ve had three over the last several months with the national team,” he said.
“I had a good think about it after the World Cup and couple of good couple of conversations with Arnie.
“I told him what I was thinking and he said what he had in mind. The direction he wants to take us in is very promising.
“I’ve put my hand up for the Asian Cup (in the UAE in January). I just wanted to make I was sure I was still in it for the right reasons and had something to contribute.
“I think Arnie has a lot to offer and I want to be a part of that.”
With Milligan starring as a stopper for Australia in Russia, Arnold has made it clear that’s where he sees him continuing as Australia head into the Asian Cup.
