Goodwin was part of the Republic of Ireland side that beat Italy to become European Under-16 champions in 1998, but is still to taste his first final as a professional - so he is relishing the Scottish Communities League Cup final against Hearts on Sunday.
The 31 year-old has declared himself fit for Hampden after missing four games with a calf injury, said: "It's hard to put it into words. It's the kind of thing that you dream about as a young boy when you are out playing football with your mates.
"To have the opportunity now at 31 to lead a team out at the national stadium is a fantastic moment personally for me and the club.
"This is my first cup final. We won the European cup under-16 with Ireland but that seems like a hell of a long time ago now.
"As a 16-year-old you just take things for granted, you don't really realise how big a moment that was.
"The older you get, you appreciate times like this and all the sacrifices that we have made through our career are all for days like this.
"And it would just be fantastic now to top it off with a winner's medal."
Goodwin feared that chance would pass him by last week as he struggled to overcome his injury.
"It's a huge relief," he said. "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a slight concern last week.
"But I've had great treatment from the physiotherapist."
St Mirren ruined Celtic's treble hopes in January with a well-deserved 3-2 victory in the semi-final to set up only the third League Cup final since 1995 not to feature one half of the Old Firm.
"It's a great opportunity for both clubs and both sets of supporters," said Goodwin, who is aiming to be the first Saints player to lift a major trophy since 1987.
"It is great to see not just the Old Firm running away with things. It's great to see clubs like ourselves there.
"I just hope we can get the job done, enjoy the occasion and enjoy the celebrations afterwards hopefully.
"We were looking back on some of the footage and it's absolutely incredible to see the scenes back in '87.
"It was unbelievable and it's far too long now for the St Mirren supporters to have to look back that far.
"I really hope we can create a bit of history of our own now on Sunday."
St Mirren manager Danny Lennon has confirmed defender Lee Mair is back in contention for Sunday's final after a rapid recovery from a stomach injury.
Lennon had all but written off the former Aberdeen player's chances of facing Hearts at Hampden earlier in the week but the centre-back joins Goodwin in shaking off injury just at the right time.
Lennon said: "Lee Mair has made a fantastic recovery, like Lazarus.
"We had him away to a specialist and we got good information so he quickly joined us on Tuesday evening up at St Andrews and he came through training fine.
"So fingers-crossed, that's a welcome bonus for us. I'm delighted for the player as well and hopefully he can come through it."
Mair could be joined by Estonian winger Sander Puri in the cup final squad with Lennon set to have talks with the trialist.
"Sander Puri came away with us and he's a player we are certainly looking to tie up," Lennon said.
"We have a meeting with his representatives and hopefully that can be tied up before Sunday.
"If the deal is done it would then give me another decision to make and if I felt he could give us a helping hand then I would use him."
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