DANNY LENNON hailed St Mirren goal hero Graham Carey after his wonder strike clinched all three points for the Buddies against Hearts last night.

After Paul McGowan had given the hosts a fourth minute lead from the penalty spot, Carey produced the only moment of magic in a low-key SPL clash as he fired in a magnificent long range dipping volley that flew into the top corner of Jamie MacDonald's net.

Victory moved the Saints up to tenth in the standings and Lennon reckons Spurs star Gareth Bale would have been proud of Carey's goal of the season contender.

He said: "It doesn't surprise me when you see that happening because he has certainly got that in his locker.

"There have been a few. I think it was up at Aberdeen last year he scored a peach. He has got some left foot and some talent.

"If Gareth Bale scores it, everyone would be talking about it. Goals like that need to be highlighted. Whether it is Tottenham Hotspur or St Mirren, that is a difficult task to do.

"It shows you the belief that that type of quality player has in his ability.

"I always feel when you look at left sided players they have a bit more balance than a right sided player. They seem to be a bit more elegant when they strike a ball. Even watching Kenny McLean, it looks effortless.

"Graham tries things from ridiculous distances and I say to him 'what are you trying that for?', well that is the reason."