First revealed as a potential signing by The World Game last month, the 29-year-old will be unveiled imminently on a multi-year contract.

His capture brings yet more spice to the Sky Blues’ simmering crosstown rivalry with Western Sydney Wanderers - new home of Ryan’s younger brother and fellow Socceroo Dylan.

It’s a timely acquisition for the defending A-League champions who were in need of urgent defensive reinforcements after the departure of stoppers Aaron Calver to Western United, the release of Jop van der Linden and most recently Jacob Tratt’s move to Perth Glory.

The injured Ben Warland is also likely to be sidelined until the new year.

McGowan, who has 20 caps and played all three of Australia’s games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, was a free agent after his release from relegated League One side Bradford City.

He spent the second half of last season at Dundee, who, in a double whammy, also fell out of the Scottish Premier League.

McGowan was once on the books of Hearts alongside Dylan and has also featured for Dundee United and Partick Thistle.

The pair have yet to line up against each other during their careers.

His roving career has also taken him to China, where he appeared for Henan Jianye, Guizhou Zhicheng and Shandong Luneng.

McGowan also had a stint with Al Sharjah in the UAE.