 McLaughlin started his career with Hearts but was loaned to Berwick Rangers for the first half of the 2006–07 season in order to gain more competitive experience.He rejected the chance to extend this loan in January, instead opting to move to Raith Rovers on loan, where former coach at Hearts John McGlynn had recently been appointed manager.He joined Gimnástica on a 6-month loan deal in August 2007.