McQuade started his professional career at Raith Rovers but never made a reserve team appearance.
He was released at the end of the 2004/05 season and had a spell playing Junior football with Dundonald Bluebell.
McQuade was signed by Cowdenbeath after scoring a double against them and impressing in a friendly while playing for Dundonald Bluebell.
[1] In March 2011, McQuade joined Forfar Athletic on an emergency loan transfer until the end of the season.
In August 2011, McQuade was freed by St Mirren and joined East Fife for a season.