Gavin Molloy chose Aberdeen over dream Euro bow but he vows to make it a reality at Pittodrie

Gavin Molloy turned his back on a European adventure but is confident he will get back there with Aberdeen.

The Dublin-born centre back, helped Shelbourne qualify for the Europa Conference League but then made the move to the Dons this summer. His former side have the second leg of their qualifier, as they look to protect their 2-1 first-leg lead against Gibraltarian side St Joseph’s, this evening.

Part of Jimmy Thelin’s Pittodrie masterplan is to ensure they are qualifying for Europe on a more consistent basis. And Molloy, 22, said: “Yes, Shelbourne are playing in Europe and I will miss out on that. But Aberdeen was too big an opportunity to turn down. Aberdeen maybe didn’t have the season they hoped they would have.The new manager has such high ambitions and we want to get back to European football. We will work hard to get back to that level.”

Molloy’s decision was made even harder due to strong family connections he has with his old club. Molloy added: “I have a sporting family. My cousin Evan Caffrey played with me at Shelbourne.

“My uncle Tommy Dunne played in the League of Ireland for Shamrock Rovers. He also managed in Ireland. My granddad Theo is a Shelbourne legend. I must have a good bloodline.”

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