The versatile defender began his career with Rangers, where he came through their youth system but found it hard to break into the first team. At the start of the 2005/06 season he was loaned out to Motherwell, where he became a regular in the starting eleven, and played in a League Cup Semi Final against Celtic at Hampden. After impressing throughout his temporary spell the move was made permanent at the end of the season.

Brian's time at Fir Park was blighted with injury but he still managed to make over 60 appearances, scoring 6 goals during his four years at Motherwell. When his contract came to an end he was signed by Falkirk where he played 38 times in his first season but couldn't prevent the Brockville club being relegated at the end of the 2009/10 campaign. He was a regular again the following season in the First Division, but left at the end of the season when his contract came to an end.

In the summer of 2011 he signed for Preston North End where he made 18 appearances for the English League One side, and also scored twice for the Lillywhites. However, a change of management half way through the season meant that Brian was rarely seen again in the starting first team, and at the end of the season it was agreed that his contract would be terminated to allow him to find another club.

United manager Peter Houston moved quickly to secure Brian's services once he knew the player was available, and he signed a two year contract at Tannadice in June 2012.