ALAN PARDEW has completed his first signing since taking charge of Charlton with the capture of China international midfielder Zheng Zhi.

But the new Addicks boss has missed out on signing Scotland international and former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley who has opted to join Celtic.

Zhi has signed on loan for the rest of the season from his club Shandong Luneng.

The 26-year-old visited the club earlier this month to train and look around Charlton's training facilities.

He is regarded as a superstar in China and is certain to boost the sale of Charlton replica shirts in his homeland.

Meanwhile, Pressley's decision to stay in Scotland is a blow to Pardew who had been hopeful of persuading him to move to The Valley.

The central defender had watched Charlton's 2-2 draw with Fulham on Wednesday and underwent a medical at the Premiership strugglers, before deciding to join the Scottish champions.

Pardew is hoping Charlton will round off 2006 with a win when Aston Villa visit The Valley on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 12.45pm.