Celtic's deal for China captain Zheng Zhi came too late to register him for the Europa League. The former Charlton Athletic midfielder held signing talks on a two-year contract at Parkhead and underwent a medical.

Celts were still finalising a work permit last night before the deal could be completed.

But Zheng is not eligible for the group stages in Europe after the Hoops failed to meet the Tuesday night deadline.

However he could still play in the knockout stages if Tony Mowbray can take his side through.