Tony Pulis happy with Palace's planned tour of Austria and USA

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has praised his club for planning a pre-season that will see them play just one game on English soil.

Palace will make trips to Austria and the USA in the run-up to the new Premier League season, and the Welshman believes that the hard work involved in travelling will pay off for his players.

"We're pleased with the tour, we'll do most of our pre-season away from England this year," Pulis is quoted as saying by the Croydon Advertiser.

"I have been away before with Stoke and it is hard for the players. The humidity, they are very difficult conditions to play in.

"Fitness-wise though, it doesn't half help them. The altitude training will be in Austria. Then America, we go over there for three games which will be played in humidity, not over 90% humidity though. The players will really, really be asked questions about their fitness levels."

Palace will line up against Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union and Richmond Kickers in July.