[6] The 2017 season saw UCD finish in third place in the league, with McClelland appearing 28 times in all competitions, scoring 7 goals.

[11] On 28 September 2018, he played the full 90 minutes away to League of Ireland Premier Division Champions Dundalk in the FAI Cup Semi Finals as his side were denied a place in the Aviva Stadium by a narrow 1–0 scoreline.

[12] That was the club's final game of the season in a year which saw McClelland score 10 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions and also receive the first silverware of his career as his side gained promotion by winning the 2018 League of Ireland First Division.

The season did however provide a lot of experience at top tier level for McClelland, as he made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring 4 goals.

[17][18] He made his competitive debut on 14 February 2020, making the starting eleven as his side lost 1–0 against Waterford in the opening game of the season at Richmond Park.

[21] McClelland's first goal for the club came on 2 July 2021, scoring from 25 yards in a 3–2 loss to Bohemians at Dalymount Park with his side down to 9 men at the time.

[26] On 11 February 2022, he made came off the bench in the 2022 President of Ireland's Cup against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, as his side lost 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

[32] On 8 October 2024, McClelland was part of the Pats side that defeated St Mochta's 2–1 in the final of the 2023–24 Leinster Senior Cup.