McBride was a substitute on the Derry panel that finished runners-up to Tyrone in the 2005 Dr McKenna Cup.[2] He was later called up to the Derry panel during the 2007 Championship for cover, but did not play in any games. He worked his way into the Derry team in the 2008 McKenna Cup (where Derry again reached the final) and the 2008 National League, which Derry won defeating Kerry in the final.[3] He made his Championship debut later that year in the defeat to Monaghan.