The art of Zheng

Chinese sensation Zheng Zhi finally made his Charlton debut at Old Trafford on Saturday - although the midfielder admitted his introduction came as quite a shock.

The Addicks number nine was named on the substitutes' bench for the first time since his arrival in South-East London in late December, and when Amady Faye was forced off due to injury five minutes before half-time Zheng was his surprise replacement.

The 26-year-old certainly did not look out of place in his new Premiership surroundings, and after the match he revealed how having his family move over from China has helped him settle with the Addicks.

ZZ explained: "I've felt very comfortable in the past few days as my parents and my daughter have come to be with me in London, and it always helps having your family with you.

"It was very exciting to make my debut at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, and I enjoyed the atmosphere very much. But to be honest, it was a surprise to be sent on as a sub so early.

"However, I'm more than happy to have played in my first Premier League match."

Zheng, who has been having English lessons with a club tutor since his loan switch from Shandong Luneng, is currently in Spain with the rest of the first-team squad preparing for the remaining 11 fixtures - after which time manager Alan Pardew will decide whether to make ZZ a permanent fixture.

The Valley boss was impressed with the debutante - one of three - against the Red Devils, and Zheng now hopes he can play his part in the Addicks' run-in.

Of Pardew's post-match praise, the China captain said: "It's nice to hear your manager talking about you positively, and I was just trying to keep up to my normal performance level.

"I tried my best and at the end of the day it's only my first Premier League match. I think I did well but I can do better after a few more matches.

"The biggest difference between English football and Chinese football is the pace of the game. I'm getting used to it and I know I still need to work hard to get better. Once I've done that, I think I will have a better chance to express myself."

He added: "The Spain trip is a very important part of our preparation for the next few league fixtures.

"We need to get totally ready for them and I definitely understand the situation and I'm ready to give my all to help the team to fight against relegation. No doubt about it."