Ness made his first Rangers appearance in a pre-season friendly against Portsmouth and was predicted to have a bright future. Due to injuries he did not make his league debut until 26 December 2010, away to Motherwell, coming on as a substitute in the 4–1 win. On 2 January 2011, Ness made his full debut in an Old Firm derby which Rangers lost 2–0. On 6 February 2011, he scored his first Rangers goal with a strike in the third minute of a fifth round Scottish Cup match, at home to Celtic. He signed a two-year extension to his contract which was to the summer of 2013, but was later extended by a further two years until 2015. Prior to the start of the 2011–12 season, Ness and his teammate Gregg Wylde were issued with first team squad numbers by Rangers manager Ally McCoist. Ness missed most of the 2011–12 season due to injury playing just five matches for Rangers and scored his first league goal in a 5–0 win over Dundee United on 2 May 2012. In June 2012, a new company was formed which purchased the assets and history of Rangers as the old company entered liquidation proceedings. Ness lodged an objection against his contract being transferred to the new company. PFA Scotland had previously commented that players were entitled to become free agents if they objected to the transfer. Ness had raised a constructive dismissal claim against Rangers.
Stoke City
Ness signed a four-year contract with Premier League side Stoke City on 3 July 2012. It took a while until he was granted international clearance by FIFA due to contract dispute with Rangers but he made his first appearance in a Stoke shirt in a pre-season match against Columbus Crew on 24 July 2012. He made his competitive debut for Stoke against Swindon Town in the Football League Cup but he failed to finish the match after suffering an injury. On 3 January 2014, Ness joined Leyton Orient on a 28-day loan. On 11 January he scored his first goal in English football on his home debut for the club in a 4–0 win over Carlisle United. On 14 August 2014 Ness joined Crewe Alexandra on loan until 1 January 2015. He extended his loan until the end of the 2014–15 season. He played 34 times for the Alex helping them avoid relegation.
Scunthorpe United
Ness joined Scunthorpe United on a free transfer on 10 July 2015. In May 2017 it was announced that Ness would be leaving the club at the end of his contract, after two years with the club.
Plymouth Argyle
Ness joined Plymouth Argyle in June 2017. He was released by Plymouth Argyle at the end of the 2018–19 season.
Dundee
Ness signed a two-year contract for Dundee in June 2019, with the option for a further year. His first season was plagued with ankle and calf injuries, keeping him out for the majority of the time. Ness grabbed his first Dundee goal on 1 November 2019, scoring a late winner against Morton.
Personal life
Ness grew up supporting Rangers and English club Manchester United and he cites Danny Wilson as his best friend in football. In November 2012, Ness and his girlfriend Heather Weir were saved from carbon monoxide poisoning by their pet labrador which had been acting strangely.
