 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) as they reached the semi final stage only to lose to eventual winners Argentina.Ireland won bronze medals after beating Ghana in the 3rd/4th place play-off game.