Catalin Cirjan’s cup start in late September hasn’t led to an improvement in his minutes on loan with FC Rapid 1923, as he continues to feature infrequently.

When Catalin Cirjan made a start for FC Rapid Bucuresti at the end of September, there were some signs of improvement for his loan spell.

Cirjan had made his first appearance in five games the previous matchday, before breaking into the starting lineup for the cup clash with Botosani.

What’s more, Rapid won the match 3-1, suggesting Cirjan’s start hadn’t done them any harm. Yet the appearance hasn’t led to anything more in the subsequent weeks.

Cirjan has played just 34 minutes of the next three games across two substitute appearances, putting him at a total of 119 minutes in their last nine matches.

The 20-year-old has made just one start in that period, which stretches all the way back to mid-August.

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.”

Unless Cirjan starts to be involved more in the coming months, it looks unlikely Rapid will end up activating the option they worked so hard to include.