In the 2010–2011 season McLaughlin was in and out of the team, with Lenny Pidgeley also challenging for the goalkeeper spot. However, Pidgeley was released by Bradford at the end of the season. At the start of the following season McLaughlin fell ill, and Matt Duke was brought in as first choice goalkeeper. On 27 March 2012, he received a 3 match ban after being sent off against Crawley Town as he took part in a post-match brawl. On 17 September 2012, McLaughlin was named in the Football League Team of the Week for League Two. After appearing as a substitute in the 2013 League Cup Final, McLaughlin enjoyed an extended run in the first-team, and played in the League Two play-off Final in May 2013. Following the match, and Bradford City's subsequent promotion, McLaughlin was told by the club he had a future with them, after a clause in his contract to extend it by one year was utilised.