Born in Cramlington, Northumberland, Brittain started his career at Newcastle United as a youngster. Brittain made his debut for Newcastle under Sir Bobby Robson on 3 March 2004 as a 76th-minute substitute for Michael Bridges in a 3–1 win over Vålerenga in the UEFA Cup third round. Having been an unused substitute six days earlier in a 2–1 home win over Chelsea, he made his only Premier League appearance on 1 May in a 1–0 defeat at Manchester City, replacing Laurent Robert for the last 15 minutes. His first start came on 7 January 2006 against Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round, starting on the wide right of midfield in the game that Newcastle won 1–0. That game saw club striker Alan Shearer equal Jackie Milburn's goal scoring record, with Shearer grabbing his 200th goal for Newcastle. Brittain was not offered a new contract at Newcastle at the end of the 2005–06 season.
He subsequently and had trials with Brighton & Hove Albion and Kilmarnock until having a successful trial with Ipswich Town. On 21 August 2006, he signed a one-year deal with Ipswich and then was loaned out to Yeovil Town.
Later career
Brittain was told he was surplus to requirements at Portman Road and he was released in May 2007. He joined Carlisle United on a week-long trial in July 2007 and after this trial period, Brittain joined the Brunton Park club on a monthly contract. After his first month at Carlisle, Brittain was released from his contract, playing just twice. He trialed at Scunthorpe United and eventually signed for Walsall. In March 2008, Brittain joined Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a trial, scoring a penalty in a 4–3 friendly loss to Houston Dynamo. However, he failed to earn himself a contract with the club. On 5 August 2008, he signed a one-year contract with Conference National side Kidderminster. On 26 June 2009, Brittain joined Gateshead, making his debut against Histon on 8 August. Brittain scored his first goals for the club against Crawley Town on 22 August. Brittain was seriously injured playing for Gateshead against Hayes & Yeading United on 5 September 2009. Brittain broke both his tibia and fibula. The game was abandoned after a 40-minute delay to treat the injury as Brittain's teammates refused to restart the game due to the shock of seeing the severity of the injury. At the time of the injury, the score was 0–0 with 14 minutes left to play. The Football Conference awarded one point to each team with Gateshead's point deducted for "failing to fulfil an engagement". Brittain returned to action on 8 July 2010, scoring the opening goal in a 3–2 defeat against a Middlesbrough XI in a behind closed doors friendly. Brittain was released by Gateshead on 30 April 2012. In July 2012, Brittain joined Northern League Division One side Celtic Nation, but left before making a competitive appearance. On 20 September 2012, Brittain signed for Blyth Spartans. He made three appearances before being released on 11 October. In November 2012, Brittain joined Bedlington Terriers on a free transfer. In December 2013, Brittain joined Northern League Division One club Ashington
