LONDON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Charlton manager Alan Pardew hailed the arrival of China captain Zheng Zhi on Thursday, saying he was impressed with both the attitude and ability shown by the player.

    The 26-year-old central midfielder arrived at the club on Monday in a loan deal from Shandong Luneng that will keep him at The Valley until the end of the season.

    Charlton has an option to make the deal permanent and Pardew admitted that it will take Zheng a period of time to adapt to both the way of English soccer and life in London before he makes his Premier League debut.

    "I genuinely feel that it is perhaps too early for him to play this weekend. It is a huge adjustment for him to be in this country, let alone to the type of football that we play," said Pardew.

    "He has approached it with a smile on his face. He is a smiley character and I like that. I think he has enjoyed it so far and hopefully that will continue."

    The former China Footballer of the Year, speaking through an interpreter, told a news conference: "I am going to work hard to try and be a success here, but it will take take time to adjust and settle although I am confident I can be successful.

    "I know I could spend a lot of time on the bench. But I want toplay in the first team soon. That is my goal. I will not let the fans down."

    Zhi will make his club debut for the reserves on Jan. 22 against Chelsea.

    Charlton is currently deep in relegation zone, lying 19th in the 20-team division and faces a tough battle to avoid the drop.

    Pardew claimed Zheng Zhi's technical ability is on a par with the rest of his squad, explaining: "That's probably his biggest strength. He doesn't look like he is going to have a problem in that area."