CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew believes Zheng Zhi’s perfect niche in the side is playing off leading scorer Darren Bent.

China’s captain and Player of the Year solved the Addicks’ problem position during a sensational full debut in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat of Newcastle in which he scored his first Premiership goal and won the penalty for Jerome Thomas’ points clincher.

Zheng excelled following his switch to a central role from the right side of midfield.

Pardew admitted: "In the second half we saw him in his best position, which is around the main striker where he’s a problem because of his weight of pass and he sees things quickly.

"I have taken a long time to integrate him for obvious reasons and we are feeling the benefit of that. He has got one heck of a tackle in him, he never pulls out of anything, but his technical ability is his big asset."

With seven points from the last nine, Pardew believes the great escape is fast becoming a possibility.

Midfielder Alex Song, who limped off with a hamstring strain after 40 minutes, should be fit to return by the time Charlton resume their fight for survival against Wigan on March 31.

Ben Thatcher, who missed the games against Watford and Newcastle, should also be fit.