By Julian Shea BBC Sport at The Crucible

John Higgins may want to consider a coaching career after Shaun Murphy and Ian McCulloch reached the last eight after visiting his house to practice.

Higgins will be re-stocking his larder

"You have to take your hat off to people like that who will go the length and breadth of the country to play better players and learn," he said.

"It'll be the last time I do that, though," he joked.

Murphy agreed a return was unlikely. "I ate them out of house and home so it's probably his wife's decision," he said.

There was a surprise addition to the media pack on Tuesday when Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane was seen in the media seats.

He had a prime vantage point to watch fellow Prestonian Ian McCulloch in action versus Alan McManus, followed by Matthew Stevens against Stephen Hendry.

He seemed to be enjoying himself but was not there to pick up any tips.

When asked who was Everton's top potter he said he was not sure, but it was certainly not him.

Shaun Murphy may have caught the eye with his displays with a snooker cue but if that falls through, he could always consider a career as a golfer.

The 22-year-old plays off a handicap of six and with his self-belief and sporting skill, only a fool would bet against that figure being reduced.

But he is not the only multi-sportsman at The Crucible.

Esteemed snooker scribe Clive Everton once reached the qualifying rounds of Wimbledon tennis in the 1960s.