The midfielder admits the humid conditions in the city will make things difficult against South China on Wednesday, but believes the tournament will provide a good test for the squad.
“I think it’s going to be a good exciting competition. We have two games in a short space of time and the heat will make it difficult, but it’s pre-season so it will be a good fitness workout for us,” said Milner.
“It’s always tough playing teams from the Far East, they play at such a high tempo and they are well organised, so that will be a good test for us. Hopefully we can get through that one and make it to the final at the weekend.”
Following the semi-final match on Wednesday, the Blues will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Sunderland in the final or third place playoff on Saturday.
The 27-year-old admits facing another Premier League side will be a good gauge of where the team is currently.
“I think they’ll be at the same stage of pre-season as us and have had pretty much the same preparation,” he said.
“Obviously we play in the same league and we know those teams better and so it will probably give us more of an indication as to where we are in pre-season at this stage.”
The England international was speaking at a Hong Kong shopping centre where the new away kit was revealed to hundreds of enthusiastic fans.
James marvelled at the support the team has had since landing in the city on Monday.
“The reception in Hong Kong has been great. Most of the fan mail I get is from the Far East and it’s pretty amazing to see how much they like the Premier League and how well viewed it is out here,” he smiled.
“To come over here and give them a chance to see the football first hand is great for them and great for us to see the fans too!”
