Venables has given Zhiyi a glowing reference

Terry Venables, the man who brought Cardiff City's new signing to English football, believes the club has made a shrewd investment.

The Bluebirds announced on Tuesday that China World Cup defender Fan Zhiyi had agreed personal terms on a move to Ninian Park.

Venables signed Zhiyi in 1998 while managing Crystal Palace, and the former England manager says the versatile 33-year-old will be a huge success at Cardiff.

"England played against China just before Euro 96 and I saw him and Sun Jihai, who's now playing regularly for Man City," Venables told BBC Wales Sport.

He's very quick, a good athlete an can play several positions Terry Venables on Fan Zhiyi

"They both played for China; I made enquiries about them and I was able to get them both."

Zhiyi went on to make 107 appearances for Palace before moving to Scottish Premier League side Dundee for �300,000 in 2001.

He has won 109 caps for China and won the Asia Player of the Year award last season.

"They've got huge regard for him in China," Venables added.

"He's got a very strong character. He's very quick, a good athlete and can play several positions.

Cardiff will find he's an enthusiastic boy Terry Venables

"He can play at centre-half, midfield - I even played him centre forward. He's a good all-round player."

And those attributes, according to Venables, will ensure Zhiyi will have no problems in adapting to the rigours of Second Division football.

"He'll fit in quickly," said Venables, now managing Leeds United. "He didn't speak a lot of English when he was at Palace, but I believe he does now.

"He just loves playing football and Cardiff will find he's an enthusiastic boy. They will all love him there."

Premier ambitions

In signing a player of Zhiyi's quality and pedigree, Cardiff have once again shown the strength of their ambitions.

They are currently third in the Second Division, but owner Sam Hammam expects the club to be playing Premiership football before too long.

Zhiyi himself revealed that the level of Cardiff's ambitions was a huge factor in his decision to come to the Welsh capital.

Venables added: "You'd never back against Sam.

"He's a very strong character. He's got good vision and he backs his feelings and thoughts with finance.

"I would imagine he's going flat out to get success at the club."