He immediately hit his stride and ended up the division's second top scorer in 1996–97 season earning him a move to St Patrick's Athletic and a shock call up by Brian Kerr to the Republic of Ireland national football team for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championships.

Molloy played every game and was Ireland's joint top scorer (2)[3][4] as they reached the semi-final stage only to lose to eventual winners Argentina.

All three players made an immediate impact with Molloy enjoying a terrific partnership with Ian Gilzean as St. Pats won the league with a dramatic last day win in Kilkenny while arch-rivals Shelbourne lost to Dundalk.

Molloy repaid that fee instantly by scoring the winner as Bohemians knocked out Aberdeen in the UEFA Cup.

He would go on to play a vital role as Bohs won the League and FAI Cup double under manager Roddy Collins.

[12] He left Motherwell by mutual consent in October 2007,[13] having been informed he did not feature in the future plans of manager Mark McGhee.