 Born in Whiston, Hignett began his career with Crewe Alexandra in 1988, before moving to Middlesbrough in 1992.After the club were relegated in his first season with Middlesbrough, he helped them back up two seasons later.In 1996–97 Hignett again suffered relegation with Middlesbrough and was part of the team that lost in the FA Cup final and League Cup final the same season.