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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Matthew Gallagher

Graham Carey looks to provide creative spark and help bump up St Johnstone goal tally

Graham Carey is planning to use his lethal left foot to help fire St Johnstone to a successful season.

The recent Perth arrival has become renowned for chipping in with impressive strikes throughout his career.

And keeping that trend going in season 2022/23 is very much the mission for the crafty attacker.

“I want to be playing good football, challenging for the top six and going on cup runs,” Carey told the PA.

“It’s more important that the team plays well and I can help them finish in a good position in the league.

“But I would like to get double figures for goals and assists if possible.

“I fancy myself to score in any good position. I’m looking to bring that to the team.”

Carey was most recently playing his football in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia and previously enjoyed a productive time at Plymouth Argyle.

“CSKA Sofia was a good experience and I got to play in Europe quite a lot,” Carey said.

“It was always something I wanted to do and I’m glad I did.

“But I wanted to come back home because I’d been abroad for so long. I had spoken to a few clubs in Scotland.

“The manager was interested in January and last summer when I was thinking of coming home.

“He was positive with how he wants to play this season and his ambition for the club.”

Having joined up with Saints at their pre-season training camp in Spain, Perth fans got their first look at the 33-year-old on Saturday when he came off the bench and scored against Cove Rangers.

“We were working hard over in Spain,” he said.

“I had a little niggle and then tried to play the game against Aberdeen, but it got worse.

“In the past week I was just resting and getting ready for the Cove Rangers friendly. It was finally good to get some proper minutes.

“I’m a little behind on minutes just now but I’ll look to keep building towards the start of the league campaign.”

Even in the early stages of his McDiarmid Park career, Carey sees there is plenty of potential.

“We have a bit of experience in attacking areas and I think that will help the young lads especially,” he said.

“Young Max Kucheriavyi has got everything to be a real key player for us this season. It’s important the experienced lads help them develop even more. You want a mix of youth and experience.

“The young lads here have all got quality and I’m sure they will get a chance this year.”

Carey is anticipating the Scottish top-flight to be very competitive again this season, saying: “I kept an eye on Scottish football when I was away.

“I think last year was tough for a lot of clubs. It was quite close from Hearts all the way down and it will probably be the same this season. It will be important that we get off to a good start.

“I think the team was unlucky last season with long-term injuries and then you need to bring players in on loan. That would be difficult for any team but hopefully this season can be a lot better.”

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