Fair points I guess, just seems incredibly short sighted to me that he couldn't see the bigger picture on this one (and which most reasonable observers of Scottish football could see).
Edit to say: Back on topic - whilst I agree that Murphy is inconsistent, this would have been the perfect opportunity to give him a run out and see if he can lift his game. He's always done well for the under 21's as well, a factor that I think is underrated by managers.
Even if, by your deduction, he is anywhere near a half decent SPL defender, how many managers without a Dundee Utd leaning would have picked him for an international squad, let alone started him in a match?
Gutted about Mowgli.
I'll always remember during a reserve game at FP (against Celtic - cant remember any more details) the physio had to come on. He had to leave his bag as he helped the injured player off. Mowgli picked his bag up and pranced to the sideline with it, holding it like a handbag, laughing all the way.
I'll never forget it.