Charlton midfielder Zheng Zhi and Manchester United striker Dong Fangzhuo are the only two overseas-based players in China's 18-strong squad for next month's Beijing Olympics.

China's national soccer team member Zheng Zhi practices during a training session at the Olympic stadium in Sydney June 19, 2008. [Agencies]

Zheng, 27, is one of the three over-age players allowed in the under-23 squad for the Olympic tournament, which will take place in five Chinese cities from Aug 6-23.

Shanghai defender Li Weifeng, 29, and Shandong target man Han Peng, 24, are the other two, the Chinese Football Association said on its website (www.fa.org.cn).

Dong played twice for United last season - in the Carling Cup and as a substitute in a Champions League match - before his season was ended prematurely by a knee injury.

Yin Tiesheng assumed control of the squad last week after the CFA took the day-to-day running of the team away from Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic, citing health reasons.

China opens its campaign against New Zealand in Shenyang on Aug. 7 and will also face Brazil and Belgium in opening-round Group C. The top two teams go through to the quarterfinals.

Shanghai midfielder Shen Longyuan and Dalian striker Zhu Ting along with goalkeeper Zhang Lu and midfielder Dai Lin, who both play for Liaoning, have been put on standby.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Qiu Shengjiong (Shanghai), Liu Zhenli (Qingdao)

Defenders: Li Weifeng (Shanghai), Yuan Weiwei (Shandong), Feng Xiaoting (Dalian), Wan Houliang (Xi'an), Tan Wangsong (Tianjin), Lu Jianjun (Changchun)

Midfielders: Zheng Zhi (Charlton), Zhou Haibin (Shandong), Cui Peng (Shandong), Hao Junmin (Tianjin), Zhao Xuri (Dalian), Chen Tao (Changsha)

Forwards: Han Peng (Shandong), Gao Lin (Shanghai), Jiang Ning (Qingdao), Dong Fangzhuo (Manchester United)

Agencies

(China Daily 07/24/2008 page23)