Charlton manager Alan Pardew has challenged China captain Zheng Zhi to prove he is capable of starring in the Premiership.

Zheng Zhi's future in English Premiership is doubted by his would-be boss.[sz.net.cn]

Zheng, 26, will begin training with the struggling London team on Monday and Pardew is looking forward to seeing his first signing in action.

Pardew, who took charge at The Valley on Christmas Eve, signed Zheng from Shandong Luneng on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent two million pounds transfer if the midfielder impresses.

Zheng has twice been voted Chinese Footballer of the Year and led Shandong to the league title earlier this year, but Pardew knows it won't be easy for him to repeat that success in England.

He has no fears about Zheng's fitness though and the versitile player could be in the squad for Charlton's crucial home Premiership clash against Middlesbrough on January 13.

Pardew said: "We think he will be in on Monday. A week's training is probably important for him and me to get familiarised with each other.

"I would suggest being an Asian player that his fitness levels will be the least of my worries. They are usually very well conditioned.

"I expect him to be in a pretty condition, knowing he has got a big challenge here. It will be a big step up for him in the Premiership."