China midfielder Zheng Zhi is ready to make his mark at Celtic after completing his long-awaited move to the Scottish club.

Zheng arrived in Glasgow on Wednesday to link with Celtic after briefly returning to China to secure the paperwork needed to seal his free transfer and he is hoping to make his first start in the Old Firm derby against Rangers next week.

The 29-year-old has long been a target for Celtic boss Tony Mowbray after impressing his new manager while playing for Charlton Athletic in the English Championship.

Zheng left Charlton following their relegation to League One last season and Mowbray has finally been able to bring him to Parkhead, much to the midfielder's delight.

"I've been waiting for this day for a long time," Zheng told Celtic's website.

"The standing of Celtic means that they are viewed as one of the top sides in European football - and all over the world. The reaction to the news back in China has been unbelievable.

"When I heard that there was a chance for me to join Celtic, I jumped at it. It's the perfect move for me at this stage of my career.

"I was at Charlton for a few years but this is the perfect next step for me. I can't wait to join up with my team-mates and start my Celtic career."

Zheng is unlikely to feature in tomorrow's Scottish Premier League clash with St Mirren but will train with the squad next week in the lead-up to the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Mowbray said: "Zheng will be here from now on in and it's all guns blazing from then. I don't expect him to be involved on Saturday but we'll see him soon.

"There's an international break coming up and we'll use that to give him a sort of mini preseason. We will give him intense work and try to get him up to speed as soon as possible."

(AFP via China Daily September 25, 2009)