Career
He previously played for Newcastle United, York City, Harrogate Town and Grimsby Town. He has represented Northern Ireland at levels up to under-21. York City
Born in Larne, County Antrim, McLaughlin began his career at Newcastle United in July 2007.
He signed a professional contract a year later but he never played a match at Street James" Park.
In the summer of 2011 McLaughlin was released by Newcastle after four years at the club McLaughlin joined Conference Premier side York City on a two-year contract on 30 June 2011.
McLaughlin said "I thought York was the best club for medical He finished the season with 55 appearances and scored 13 goals.
After making 33 appearances and scoring four goals for York in the 2012-2013 season he was released by the club on 30 April 2013.
Grimsby Town
McLaughlin joined Conference Premier team Grimsby Town on a two-year contract on 28 June 2013. Following his first season with Grimsby, in which he was a regular in the team that was defeated in the semi-final of both the Conference Premier play-offs and the FA Trophy, McLaughlin found himself less involved with first team affairs during the 2014-2015 season. This prompted him to join Conference North side Harrogate Town on loan in March 2015.
He was released by Grimsby in May 2015.
Gateshead
McLaughlin signed for National League team Gateshead on a one-year contract on 10 July 2015. McLaughlin has represented Northern Ireland at various youth levels, up to under-21 level
He currently has 10 caps for the under-21 side.
