Dunfermline boss Stevie Crawford has praised Fraser Murray for his reaction to being dropped at the weekend.
The on-loan Hibs midfielder scored a double in the 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Betfred Cup last Tuesday – only to find himself out of the team for the Championship opener on Saturday.
The 21-year-old’s second against Killie was an early contender for goal of the season, smashing an incredible free-kick into the top corner from 35 yards out.
But, with Crawford making three changes to his side, Murray had to make do with a substitute’s role in the 3-1 victory over Inverness Caley Thistle.
The Pars boss explained: “Fraser Murray was excellent during the week for us. It was nothing to do with his performance levels and I explained that to Fraser.
“Naturally, he will have been disappointed that he didn’t start but Ryan Dow didn’t start against Kilmarnock. We will manage people’s game-time.
“What the players realise is that we want to win games of football and I think when there is belief in that and that is the reason, it will hurt them but [they will understand].
“When Fraser came on he didn’t look as if he was petulant or disappointed. He came on and contributed to the win and that is all I can ask of the players.”
