Catalin Cirjan returned to the FC Rapid starting lineup on Thursday for the first time in a month and a half, as they won a cup match against FC Botosani.

Earlier this week, we covered the news that Arsenal loanee Catalin Cirjan had made his first appearance for FC Rapid Bucuresti in five games.

The midfielder has now gone on to return to the team’s starting lineup – albeit in a cup game.

Cirjan started for Rapid against FC Botosani in the Cupa Romaniei on Thursday night, playing 76 minutes as his team raced into a 3-0 lead.

The Arsenal youngster was then substituted, and Rapid conceded a goal in his absence for 3-1, but the goal turned out to be nothing more than a consolation.

20-year-old Cirjan completed a loan move to Rapid over the summer, with the two clubs agreeing on an option to buy in the deal.

Rapid owner Dan Sucu later confirmed that the clause was for a significant amount, but an amount that they are capable of paying if they wish to make the deal permanent.

“Very important, we really wanted to have a purchase clause,” Sucu said. “In the end, an amount was entered into the contract. It’s an important amount, but one that we could pay.”

Yet after five appearances and one assist in Rapid’s first five games of the season, Cirjan then dropped out of the side for the subsequent five fixtures.

The Romania u21 international made the squad on all five occasions, but he only came on in Rapid’s most recent league fixture against CFR Cluj, playing nine minutes.

Cirjan at least had a chance to show what he can do in Thursday’s cup game, and he’ll now look to push back into the league side too.