Striker Trevor Molloy is returning to St Patrick’s Athletic after his contract at Shamrock Rovers was terminated by mutual consent.

The move was expected as Rovers were always resigned to releasing one of their highest paid players following relegation to the first division.

Molloy is the fourth Rovers player signed by St Patrick’s manager John McDonnell this winter.  Mark Rutherford, Mark Quigley and Lee Roche have already put-pen-to-paper with the Inchicore club.

McDonnell was keen to add another striker following Robbie Doyle’s move to Bray Wanderers yesterday.

Releasing Molloy was, according to Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche, "a difficult [decision] but one taken in the interest of both parties".  It reflects the realities currently facing the club, he said.

Shamrock Rovers manager, Pat Scully, is also disappointed to lose Molloy but said a move away was inevitable.

"Of course it’s a blow to see Trevor going but in other ways it frees up some money we may not have had before."

With Willie Doyle - scorer of two goals in last night’s 6-1 friendly win over Crumlin United - Robbie Shields and Philip Sheppard now on board, Scully is happy with his attacking options.

However, he refuses to rule out another transfer swoop should an opportunity arise.

"I’m reasonably happy with the squad I have at the moment but you never know what situations could arise before the transfer deadline," he said.

"One or two options could still pop up closer to deadline day and if that’s the case then maybe we’ll have an opportunity to move for someone.

"We have 18 or 19 lads in now and it will take them time to gel.  But we’re training hard and I’ve noticed a vast improvement, especially last night against Crumlin who are a good side."

Molloy said the decision to leave Rovers was a "tough one".

The transfer window closes on February 22nd and the league starts on March 10th.