CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew confirmed he had rejected an approach from the China Football Association to release midfielder Zheng Zhi for a series of international friendlies.

Pardew said: "These matches are out of the international window and cover three Championship matches against Wolves, Plymouth and Queens Park Rangers.

"I've refused to release him because those games are so important to us. But I believe the Chinese Federation will win their matches without him.

"So apologies to the China FA, but that's a decision I've taken."