Carey chooses Saints over other contenders for Premiership return

GRAHAM Carey had other options for his return to Scottish football, St Johnstone’s new signing has revealed.

But the Irishman believes Perth is the perfect place for the next stage of his career.

Carey, who has agreed a two-year deal, is in Spain with the McDiarmid Park squad on their pre-season training camp.

He was a transfer target of several other sides once his deal with CSKA Sofia ran out, however Callum Davidson’s sales pitch was the most persuasive.

“I’m really pleased to be at St Johnstone,” said the versatile former Ross County and St Mirren player.

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

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

“The manager 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.”

Saints got too close to relegation for comfort last season but Carey believes it will be a different story.

“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,” he told Saints’ website.

“We all know it was a difficult time last season and there can’t be a repeat of that in the next 12 months.

“I want to be in the team and helping us win games of football and entertain the fans.

“I know that the St Johnstone fans were incredible last season and really helped the team stay in the Premiership.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of them and we want to share some good times together in the weeks and months ahead.”

Meanwhile, Theo Bair was on the scoresheet for St Johnstone yesterday as the Perth side finished their pre-season training with a closed-doors game against Aberdeen.

Canadian international Bair is hoping to make his mark in the Premiership this season after finding it hard to make a first-team breakthrough last term following his January arrival.

Equalising in the 1-1 draw against the Dons in the bounce game is a good way to start.

Manager Callum Davidson said earlier this week: “He’s had six months to get used to the way we work here and with a good pre-season he’ll kick on.”

Bojan Miovski scored Aberdeen’s opening goal.

Saints’ first friendly open to the public will be against Cove Rangers next Saturday, 1pm kick-off.

Graham Carey has signed a two-year contract.

Theo Bair