Charlton Athletic Online

So we have a new midfielder, according to the official Charlton website - versatile midfielder Zheng Zhi. Zheng, who is the captain of the Chinese national team, will hit the Premiership trail after signing on loan from Shandong Luneng. After Sun Jihai, Li Tie, and Li Weifeng, Zheng becomes the fourth Chinese player to play in the Premiership.

The 27 year old, who can also play in defence, is 181cm tall and weighs 75kg. Zheng, the father of a little two year old girl, is regarded as the hero of Chinese football. Many experts believe that he will have no problems playing in the Premiership, as it is said that he is the best Chinese footballer of the last ten years. Zheng is the engine of the national team and is irreplacable apparently.

Alan Pardew is not so convinced, and will wait to see Zhi (or is it Zheng?) in training before deciding whether to play him (or sit him on the bench) for the crucial Boro game on Saturday.

He scored 21 goals to lead Shandong to the title last season. He has been a great success in China, and the hope is that he will be well received by the Addicks faithful when and if he gets to don the red shirt.

Zheng was born in Shenyang, a football city, where China's World Cup qualification dreams came true in 2002. He is in London with his wife, leaving his daughter in the care of his parents. A few Chinese players have gone to European countries in recent years, and most of them have struggled (Sun Jihai excepted). Hopefully Zheng Zhi can buck the trend.

Thanks to Oleole.com for this information.