I think Des has been handed Burey - a long term target - but doesn’t really fancy him. Might be wrong but that’s the impression I get, looks like one the recruitment team wanted more than the manager.
Got to say you seem 100% right with this - unless something happened when he was subbed at half time - maybe he kicked off or said something he shouldn’t?
Came in, worked hard defensively and looked decent coming forwards, was subbed off at half time when by no means playing terribly, then doesn’t get on the pitch, and now not even in the squad? It makes no sense as he’s got pace, a good attitude (on the pitch at least) and seems a decent player…