Tony Pulis excited by West Brom's Asia return

The Baggies will join Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Leicester City as they make their debut in the tournament, which will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium on Wednesday, July 19, and Saturday, July 22.

It is the first time the tournament will feature four Premier League clubs but more importantly for Albion will mark their first trip to the Far East since their historic 1978 venture, when they became the first professional club to tour China.

“It will be a fantastic experience for everybody connected to the football club,” said Pulis.

“It’s a great opportunity to play out there in what is becoming one of the fastest growing markets in the world for professional football. I’m delighted and the players are looking forward to it as well.”

He added: “They’re very, very passionate about football in Asia, they’re very passionate about the Premier League.

“I’m sure we’ll get a great reception and everybody will enjoy it as they will be good games.”

Albion’s participation in the tournament had been anticipated for months and though the precise schedule of games will not be announced for a few weeks, the venue and kick-off times have been confirmed.

Each day will see two games played at the stadium, kicking-off at 6.30pm and 8.30pm local time. Ticket details will be announced early next month.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: “In Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion we have a group of excellent clubs, players and managers who will give local fans a fantastic Premier League experience.”

The Asia Trophy trip will be the highlight of a pre-season schedule which will begin with the Baggies now traditional trip to Austria where the focus will be on strength and conditioning work.

Domestic friendlies with Walsall, Burton, Kidderminster Harriers and Port Vale have already been announced, with plans for another fixture to be scheduled for Saturday, August 5, a week before the Premier League season begins.