[2] Having begun his career with Stenhousemuir as a trainee, Niven joined Scottish Football League side Raith Rovers in August 2000.
A week later he made his debut for the club's reserve side against Newcastle United alongside such players as Dean Holdsworth and Nicky Southall.
[3] He remained a fringe player at the Reebok Stadium until his departure in December 2003, however during his two-year spell he failed to make a single first team appearance.
In May 2010, Niven struck the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory against AFC Bournemouth at Saltergate, Chesterfield's final game at the stadium before relocation.
Grimsby missed out on lifting silverware at Wembley Stadium having been defeated on penalties to Wrexham, and later lost out in the play-offs to Newport County.