Reuters:
China striker Dong Fangzhuo hopes a superb display for his country will help him earn a British work permit and a place in the Manchester United squad.
The 21-year-old joined the English Premier League club two years ago but was immediately loaned to Belgium's Royal Antwerp as he was unable to secure permission to work in Britain.
More performances like the one he gave in the 2-0 win over Palestine in an Asian Cup qualifier, however, should cement his position as a national team regular, a requirement of the British authorities before a permit is granted to a non-EU player.
Dong constantly threatened the Palestine defence in Guangzhou on Wednesday and his mazy dribble set up China's second goal for defender Li Weifeng. Even a missed penalty did not detract too much from his display.
"I'm sure that I can play for the national team much more and can get the work permit as soon as possible," Dong told the official Xinhua news agency.
Dong's signing by the Old Trafford club came as United looked to make inroads into China's lucrative market.
He played twice in the famous red shirt on a tour of China last year, scoring a deft goal against Hong Kong and featuring against Beijing Hyundai.