Zheng Zhi has vowed to help Celtic reclaim the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title this season after enjoying an impressive debut for the club.

The China captain was thrown straight in at the deep end when asked to pull on the Hoops for the first time in the 2-1 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox earlier this month.

But the 29-year-old has every faith in his new club's ability to reclaim their crown - and his own ability to make his mark at Celtic. "I hope that I can be a successful player here and win the league this season," he said.

"I know that Celtic has a long history and lots of supporters and I hope that when I leave I have a good name at the club and among the supporters and that people remember me."

Zheng was surprised to make his bow in the white-hot atmosphere of an Old Firm derby but believes the time he spent at Charlton helped him cope with the occasion.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to play," he said.

"I had spoken to the manager beforehand and we had agreed that I might need more fitness.

"But then the day before the derby, Barry Robson was injured. It meant that the manager had to make a quick decision.

"I had heard about the Old Firm game before I moved here. I realise it's a big, important game, not just in Scotland, but across Europe and in football in general.

"I thought I did okay in this match, but I think it helped me that I got a lot of experience in England, playing in the Premier League and the Championship. It helped prepare me for this match and gave me an idea of what to expect."