Neil started off at Dundee and then left to join Hearts. He made 74 appearances for the Jambos, scoring 19 goals as a winger.
McCann then signed for Rangers and started over 100 games, again scoring 19 goals.

After leaving Rangers, Neil joined Southampton for £1.5 million. Three years later and he came back up to join Hearts in 2006. A double leg break early in the 07-08 reduced his appearances to 22.

In the summer of 2008, Neil McCann signed for Falkirk in a two-year deal.