McCann moved to Rangers later that year for £1.9 million,[7] becoming the club's first major Scottish Catholic signing since Mo Johnston.
[9] Speaking in February 2019, McCann said that he had been subject to sectarian abuse from Celtic fans that stemmed from his decision to sign for Rangers.
[14] He sustained a medial knee ligament injury while playing in his first match after returning to Hearts, which meant that he missed the rest of the 2005–06 season (including the 2006 Scottish Cup Final).
McCann made his full international debut for Scotland on 5 September 1998, coming on as a late substitute for Ally McCoist in a goalless draw against Lithuania.
McCann scored three goals for Scotland, including two in UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying matches against the Faroe Islands and Germany.
[26] McCann's first managerial position came at Scottish Premiership side Dundee, where he was appointed on an interim basis on 18 April 2017.
[31] After John Robertson was given compassionate leave in February 2021, McCann was appointed caretaker manager of Scottish Championship club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
[32] McCann left this position after the 2020–21 season was completed, with Robertson returning in a sporting director role and a new manager to be appointed.
In April 2024, McCann lost a dispute with HM Revenue & Customs regarding IR35 rules, which resulted in him incurring a tax liability of approximately £210,000.