Asia tournament excites trio

Everton manager David Moyes believes the Premier League's Asia Trophy gives the Goodison Park side an ideal opportunity to strengthen their bond with fans in the region.

Moyes will take his Champions League hopefuls to Bangkok where they will take part in the four-team tournament next month.

Bolton, Manchester City and the Thai national side will make up the remaining teams which will be run under a knockout format in Bangkok's National Stadium on July 20 and 23.

Moyes believes his side's sponsorship deal with Chang Beer has already helped them forge strong links with Asia, bonds which can be strengthened during the Asia Trophy.

Moyes told the Premier League's official website: "Through Everton Football Club's partnership with Chang Beer I have learnt first hand the passion that people in Thailand, and in the Far East as a whole, have for football - it's a great opportunity to play in front of many of our new fans.

"This tournament should serve us well as we prepare for both the Barclays Premiership and our Champions League campaigns - Chelsea won the last one and they haven't done bad since."

Trotters manager Sam Allardyce is excited about the strength of the opposition his side will face in Thailand.

"It is always important to face strong opposition in pre-season so that you are ready for the new season," he said.

"This tournament provides Bolton with the sort of competitive environment we will face come August as well as the chance to show the Thai people what my team can achieve."

City manager Stuart Pearce is also looking forward to the Asia Trophy, adding: "I'm excited about getting out to Thailand with my squad and playing some competitive games.

"We had a good finish to the end of last season and I am looking to build on that so we can start the new one in a similar fashion.

"It'll also be great to play in front of our Thai fans and show them what a real Premier League match looks and feels like up close."