Career
Niven was signed to Rangers from junior side Coupar Angus in 1951 by manager Bill Struth. He made his debut against Aberdeen on 19 April 1952 in the final league match of the season, the match ended 1–1. He made 327 appearances in total for the club
In February 1962 he joined Partick Thistle.
Whilst in Maryhill he would make a total of 232 first class appearances and become an ever present in the Jags goal. He never missed a league match in three separate seasons — 1962-1963, 1963-1964 and 1967-1968.
After not featuring in the first team all season (his last game coming in a 0-0 draw at Airdrie in April 1968), he left in the summer of 1969. Niven retired from playing shortly after this.
Niven never played for the Scotland national football team
lieutenant is understood that he has played the most games for Rangers of any Scottish player who has not been capped by Scotland. Niven was selected twice for Scotland, but had to withdraw each time due to injury and was replaced by Frank Haffey. He did, however, represent the Scottish League XI seven times.
Niven died on 17 July 2008, aged 79.