Graham Carey

Graham Carey (born 20 May 1989) is an Irish professional footballer for Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone. He plays as a left sided attacking midfielder.

Carey joined Celtic in 2005 from Shelbourne's youth team and made his Celtic debut in 2009 against Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League, He has played six times for the Republic of Ireland Under 21 team, having been capped at all International levels from under 15. During his time at Celtic Carey had loan spells with Bohemians in the League of Ireland, St MirrenIreland beat Andorra 3–0 to restore their UEFA qualifying ambitions
FAI, 3 November 2007 and Huddersfield Town in League One in England. He then signed for St Mirren permanently and in 2013, moved to Ross County where he spent two seasons. After spending four seasons with Plymouth Argyle, scoring 49 goals in 200 appearances, he moved to Bulgarian top flight club CSKA Sofia in 2019.

In 2010, ex Scotland and then Motherwell manager Craig Brown, stated Carey "looks a real talent" and said he "is the kind of player fans like to watch".Craig Brown gives his verdict on which of the relegation candidates can steady the ship
Herald Scotland, 14 April 2010

Club career

Celtic

In 2005, Carey signed for Celtic from Shelbourne's youth set up. He made his senior Celtic debut as a substitute against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on 17 December 2009, a match which Celtic drew 3–3. He was regularly named as a substitute for Celtic in the 2009–10 SPL season before being loaned out to St Mirren in February 2010, and English League One team Huddersfield Town in August 2010.

Carey was a regular for the youth team and reserves during his time in Glasgow and worked under Willie McStay, Danny McGrain and Neil Lennon. He later said he was disappointed to have never made it into the first team during his time at Celtic.

Bohemians (loan)

In a bid to get more first team experience for Carey, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan loaned him out to League of Ireland Champions Bohemians in February 2009. He played his first league match against Derry City on 13 March and scored his first league goal against St. Patrick's Athletic on 11 April. Carey was deemed an instant hit and was described as the star of the show having impressed during the local derby against St. Patrick's Athletic.New Bhoy Carey an Instant hit at Bohs
Irish Independent, 15 April 2009

Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon was keen to extend Carey's loan deal which expired in July until the end of the season. The talented winger was also due to be out of contract at Celtic in July and was aiming to secure a place in new manager Tony Mowbray's team due to impressive performances with Bohemians and the Republic of Ireland under 21s.

Carey was due to play on the left wing in Bohemians' Champions League qualifiers against the Austria Champions Red Bull Salzburg, but the loan deal could not be extended in time. He made 20 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions for Bohemians and capped his loan period by winning a League of Ireland Medal.

St Mirren (loan)

Carey joined St Mirren on loan on 1 February 2010, until the summer of 2010. He made his debut against St Johnstone on 10 February in the SPL. He came on as a 60th-minute substitute and curled in a free kick which led to the equalising goal for Michael Higdon. He was described as having "impressed" on his debut. ''Saints'' manager Gus McPherson said in his post match interview "Graham Carey had some good delivery from the wider area. He's only been with us for a week and we hope he'll be a good addition for us."

Carey scored his first goal for St Mirren on 6 March 2010, when he scored from a free kick against Rangers. After the match, he said he copied Cristiano Ronaldo's free kick technique. A few weeks later, Carey started against Rangers, in the Scottish League Cup Final, but the match ended in a 1–0 loss for St Mirren.

Carey scored a 35-yard free kick against Hearts in the SPL on 3 April, and was commended by the St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson who said "It was a wonder strike from Graham. When he picks up the ball there's excitement as the crowd sense something may happen. He's always more than capable with his excellent delivery from set-pieces." On 24 April 2010, Carey helped set up the winning goal for Andy Dorman as St Mirren beat Kilmarnock 1–0 and after being substituted, received a standing ovation from the St Mirren fans.

Carey won the SPL Young Player of the Month award for April 2010 and St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson added that he was keen to keep him at the club. His successful loan spell at St Mirren attracted interest from Premier League clubs Wigan Athletic, Wolves and Blackpool as well as Ipswich Town in the Championship. He was offered a two-year contract extension by Celtic.

Huddersfield Town (loan)

On 14 July 2010, Carey signed on loan for League One outfit Huddersfield Town until January 2011. Huddersfield boss Lee Clark said "Graham will bring brilliant versatility to the squad – he can play anywhere up the left side of the pitch.... He has a terrific left foot and he looks as elegant as you would expect from a quality left-footed player". Carey made an immediate impact with Huddersfield scoring a low left footed drive from 20 yards against Bury in a pre-season friendly on 19 July 2010.

He made his first appearance for the Terriers as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Carlisle United at Brunton Park in the League Cup. He made his first League One start in the 4–2 loss against Peterborough United at London Road Stadium. Carey while playing as a left back, provided an assist to Jordan Rhodes from a well worked corner and scored a 25-yard free kick to make the score 2–0 to the Terriers. On 28 August 2010, he started for Huddersfield against Charlton Athletic, on the left side of midfield and was awarded Man of the Match for his efforts, including setting up two goals during the match.

Huddersfield manager Lee Clark wanted to keep Carey after his loan deal expired in January 2011, but despite talks of extending the deal to the end of the season, terms were not agreed, and he returned to Celtic.Graham Carey returns to Celtic
Huddersfield Town, 13 January 2011 He made 23 starts and three substitute appearances for the Yorkshire club, scoring two goals.

St Mirren

On 8 July 2011, Carey re-signed for St Mirren permanently, having had a successful loan spell in the 2009–10 season. St Mirren Manager Danny Lennon said: "It's great to get Graham in. I believe in wider areas we let ourselves down last season and he has a left foot to die for. That type of quality is very scarce. He's an intelligent footballer and will be a major addition to the squad. He is very good in dead-ball situations." On 11 December 2011, Carey scored what was described as a "blistering free kick" to earn St Mirren a point against Aberdeen. He scored again for St Mirren to earn another draw against Dundee United on 28 December 2011 and also provided the assist to Thompson for the first goal in a 2–2 draw. Following the match, the club's supporters named Carey as the Paisley 'Ronaldo'. A few weeks later, on 17 January 2012, Carey scored in the fourth round replay of the Scottish Cup

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