Mowbray: Zheng Zhi not a Celtic marketing exercise

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has refuted allegations he signed Zheng Zhi with a view to marketing the Hoops in the Far East.

The China captain has signed a one-year deal with a one-year option.

"It was a totally footballing decision," Mowbray said. "We were looking for a midfield player, basically. We lost Paul Hartley and Shunsuke Nakamura and we needed some footballers in that area of the pitch."

He added: "I'm trying to add quality to that area so it was a totally football decision.

"I tried to sign him for West Brom so he has an understanding that I respect him as a player.

"His versatility is one of the main reasons he is here. He played against my West Brom team for Charlton and he was the most effective playing behind a striker or as a holding midfielder, or as a wide player.

"He's just a good footballer and I've said from day one that I like good footballers."

The 29-year-old midfielder, who left English League One side Charlton when his contract expired in June, said through an interpreter: "It is a huge football club and I am delighted to be here and I am looking forward to working with my coach.

"I can play a few positions but it is up to my coach."