CHINA captain and Player of the Year Zheng Zhi has spoken of his delight after scoring a first goal for Charlton in Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Zheng celebrated his first start since arriving on loan in January with a starring role which saw him give Charlton a 54th minute lead before being brought down for the 88th minute penalty which Jerome Thomas converted.

"It is important to score and I was very pleased because in my last game against West Ham I hit the bar with a header," said Zheng. "I am enjoying my time in English football but I can do better for Charlton.

"Before I came I loved watching English Premier League games in China and wanted to one day play in the Premier League."

Asked about Sunday's second half partnership with England international Darren Bent after being pushed into an attacking role, Zheng added: "I felt comfortable playing with Darren Bent because he is a very good player. I have played alongside him in training games so there is no problem for me.

"I regard my best position as in the middle of midfield which is where I played in China. I am not very familiar with playing on the flanks but I will always play where the manager wants me to play."

Zheng, who speaks through an interpreter, promised to improve his English but confessed he found the lessons hard. He added: "I am working at improving my English because I want to communicate better with the manager and my team-mates."

Zheng returned to China this week for international friendlies against Australia and Uzbekistan.