Graham Carey turns down other Scottish clubs to join St Johnstone on two year deal

Set-piece specialist Graham Carey admits he turned down offers from other Scottish clubs to join St Johnstone.

The 33-year-old Irishman finalised his two-year move to McDiarmid Park on Friday after spending six days with his new team-mates at a Spanish summer training camp in Murcia.

Carey had most recently been playing his football with CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria but is a familiar face closer to home.

He started his career at Celtic before spending time in Scotland with St Mirren and Ross County. There was also a successful four year stint at Plymouth Argyle.

Carey is an attacking midfielder who can play wide or in behind the striker and his dead-ball deliveries are continuously a menace for opposition defences.

Despite interest from elsewhere, Saints felt right and he can’t wait to start his Perth adventure.

“I had options to consider from other Scottish clubs and it was a nice position to be in,” Carey said.

“But something just clicked about joining Saints and it’s where I want to be.

“The manager (Callum Davidson) really impressed me about his plans for the new season and I want to be a part of it.

“I think my style of play will suit what the manager wants to do. I like to create chances and also get into goalscoring positions.”

The trip to the Spanish sun, which ends on Friday, was the perfect way for Carey to introduce himself to the squad.

He kept an eye on Scottish football while over in Bulgaria and is determined for Saints to be nowhere near any fears of relegation come the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

“I can tell there is a real determination and desire to do well in the new campaign and it will be a collective effort to achieve what needs to be done.

“We all know it was a difficult time last season and there