Former Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice says the decision for Donegal boss Declan Bonner to start Michael Murphy last Sunday may have been “strange”, but understands the logic behind it.

This past weekend saw Murphy start for the Tir Chonaill men for the first time since being withdrawn with a hamstring injury in the early stages of their Allianz League Round 2 clash against Down.

However, the Glenswilly man only lasted half-an-hour in Newry as he was withdrawn with a tight hamstring, leaving him in serious doubt for his team’s next outing against Derry next Sunday week.

Speaking on the RTE GAA podcast, Fitzmaurice said he understood the decision to start Murphy.

"You have to look at Declan Bonner and Donegal’s mindset," he said.

"The last time they played in the championship they were defeated in an Ulster final they were expected to win.

"No more than Kerry losing to Cork last year, they were going to be making sure they were winning that game, and picking their strongest team to do so."

He added: "It was a strange one, but I understand why Declan Bonner did what he did."

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