McQuade has had to change her style of play and role in the team this term after netting 12 goals last season but United's number 21 has thrived in and out of possession under Langley this campaign.
Having gone from not playing any football at university to now being involved with England squads and playing regularly in the Championship, McQuade is simply focused on getting better.
"During the first half of the season I was performing a lot better than I perhaps thought I would have coming into the Championship," McQuade told newcastleunited.com.
"Now I've won the Player of the Month (for September), been scoring goals, and received an England Under-23s call-up; I now expect nothing less from myself.
"It does add a little bit of pressure, but ultimately I think it makes me play better."
It was just over two years ago that McQuade made her debut under Becky Langley away to Chorley Women. Now, as a Barclays Women's Championship regular, it's all gone so fast for the playmaker.
While time does fly by in a footballer's career, Newcastle's development team graduate insisted she isn't surprised at her growth - especially given the players she's worked with over the past 24 months.
"It's mad to say that out loud (that it's been two years since her debut), but it shows how quickly everything moves forward in football," she added.
"Especially having gone full-time and being part of such a great group of players every day does bring you along quicker than you may have expected.
"So while two years doesn't sound that long ago, having been full-time throughout, I'm not surprised I've improved so quickly."
Despite looking back on the season and her time with Newcastle so far with great fondness, McQuade knows there's nothing more important than the present in football.
As the Lasses gear up for their first home league game in over a month, Newcastle's Under-23 Lioness is desperate to keep making Kingston Park a fortress and pick up a positive result against Bristol City Women on Sunday.
"The fact that we're at home and have a point to prove to ourselves and the fans makes us confident going into the game," she said.
"We always expect ourselves to put in a good performance each game, especially at home because we know that we've got one of the best fanbases in the country.
"Our home form has been good this year, with just two losses in all competitions. We've got to use Kingston Park to our advantage and play some of our best football.
"We've got a month full of games, and we know that if we can win the first one against Bristol City, then it'll set the tone moving forward."
