Japanese lessons taught Carey all about the need to practise his free-kicks
Hearts, beware. Graham Carey sent out warning shots last week.
Now he hopes to have found his range for breaking his set-piece duck back in Scotland after a seven-year absence.
The ex-St Mirren and Ross County dead-ball master was in creative mood for St Johnstone against Aberdeen.
Ambitious from 40 yards, right out on the touchline, he was denied a phenomenal goal from a free-kick by a Kelle Roos save. And audacious from a corner, he tried to use the wind and a wicked delivery to catch out the Dons defence.
Ultimately, the Irishman was gutted to be left to grudgingly admire Leighton Clarkson’s stunning winner. Yet his lethal left foot surely can’t be denied a direct hit for much longer.
Carey openly admits to wasting too much time as a young player. But he certainly didn’t squander the chance to tune into Celtic’s set-piece experts while a Parkhead prospect.
The 33-year-old explained: “Shunsuke Nakamura was the most accurate I’ve seen. He used to have his interpreter in goal after training, and put them in the top corner all the time.
“The other Japanese Bhoy, Koki Mizuno, also had ridiculous technique. He could hit it with his left and right foot.
“These top players don’t get there by accident. Growing up watching Nakamura, he was probably the best player in the league, but spent hours practising.
“That was good for me to see. I always wanted to score free-kicks.
“Luckily, I’ve got to a decent standard where I can help my team, and that comes from hours and hours of practice.
“Even the best free-kick takers don’t score that many a season, especially with goalkeepers now gambling a lot, and putting the biggest players in the wall.
“The main thing is to hit the target and, if you get a rebound and score, that’s just as good. I’ve not scored as many lately, which is annoying.”
Carey demonstrated he’s lost none of the quality in his left foot, including a volleyed Premier Sports Cup winner against Ayr United last month.
But apart from a dramatic win at Motherwell, it’s been a tough introduction back to Premiership life, with defeats to Hibs, Aberdeen and Rangers.
The demanding early schedule continues today at Tynecastle.
Along with Jamie Murphy, Carey was brought in by Callum Davidson to provide experience, creativity and a goal threat to last season’s lowest scorers.
“We’ve not created a lot of chances, but I can definitely take on that creative burden,” said Carey. “We need to be calmer in the final third.”
Carey has travelled the length of the UK football map, from Dingwall to Plymouth, since leaving the Scottish game in 2015. After four seasons with Argyle, he enjoyed three in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia.
“I wish I’d gone abroad when I was a bit younger,” he admits. “That was probably my last chance, and I’m glad I went.
“I played in Europe against some really good teams, and we won the Bulgarian Cup. We had coaches from Serbia, Croatia and Spain, so it was an interesting mix and a really good experience.
“But my family moved back when my son started school and my wife was unwell last winter. She’s better now, so that’s all good.
“I spoke to Callum Davidson last year, and in January as well. When I decided to come home this summer, I don’t think I could say ‘No’ to him again!
“I got a good vibe from St Johnstone, and I’m pleased to be back.”