Graham Carey: Plymouth Argyle boss hails midfielder's influence

Graham Carey has scored eight goals in 27 appearances for Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams has praised the influence of midfielder Graham Carey in their 3-0 win over Mansfield in League Two.

The 26-year-old Irishman made his first start since the end of November, having been sidelined with a knee injury.

"He's an important player because he looks to play forward," said Adams.

"He'll take the ball all over the pitch and you can see he's not 100%, but he controlled large spells in the game," Adams told BBC Radio Devon.

"Graham is very good on the ball. He has been out for 10 or 11 weeks now, but he's been able to get himself back fit and is an important player.

"Like everybody in this squad, they're going to show that importance towards the end of the season."

Adams made a number of changes to his side for the visit of Mansfield, who were fourth in League Two before the game.

As well handing a debut to Jordan Forster after his loan move from Hibernian, he rested current top-scorer Jake Jervis and the club's leading marksman for the past two seasons Reuben Reid.

But Reid's replacement, Ryan Brunt, scored twice to give Adams some selections headaches.

"Now I've been able to manoeuvre in the transfer window we've been able to get that competition for places," he said.

"It's important that you have that between now and the end of the season.

"Nobody's guaranteed a team spot, and that enables the ones that have got that chance of starting the game to keep that opportunity going, and it gives the ones moving out of the team the opportunity to show their fight and determination to get back into the team."