As red-hot Chinese football international Zheng Zhi of Charlton is in the thick of the fight on European fields, his boss in China is mulling to get him back for the national team.

Charlton's Chinese international Zheng Zhi (middle) jumps to head the ball during Charlton's 4-0 win over West Ham United February 24, 2007. [sina]

The Chinese captain was picked by national head coach Zhu Guanghu to play two friendlies for the nation against Australia and Uzbekistan late March, his club Shandong Luneng said on its official website.

Zheng, 26, has made three appearances for the deregulation-threatened English club after landing on Europe in January on loan from Chinese champions Shangdong Luneng for the rest of the season.

The Chinese top midfielder contributed a crossbar-hitting head in his side's 4-0 win over West Ham United in February.

China is seeing the most glorious performances by its football internationals these days. Shanghai Shenhua's leftback Sun Xiang became the first Chinese footballer in Champions League field.

China, now the 79th on FIFA's world rankings is in dire need to lift its place on the ranking board before this year's Asian Cup in July and to promote its seeded status for next year's World Cup qualifier games. "We now need the best players for the crucial games," said coach Zhu

March 24 is one of the international play days in 2007. Players with overseas clubs are allowed to return to play for their own countries on these days.

Some football fans said at online forums that it is unrealistic to call back the Chinese internationals because they are now in different situations during their development abroad. Some fans said the national team should offer positions to more players from the nation's Olympic team.

"I am open to give whoever he (Zhu) wants," said Olympic team coach Ratomir Dujkovic.

Editor: Donald