AEK arrive in Sydney on Friday night ahead of the tournament that also features Sydney FC, Glasgow Rangers and Blackburn Rovers 31 years after the club's last trip to Australia.

In 1979, the Greek giant played Victoria and NSW. AEK lost 4-0 to theVictorian state team on a waterlogged park with current coach Dusan Bajevic in their side. This was followed by a sensational 5-5 draw with NSW at the Sydney Sports Ground.

In front of 14,626 fans, Bajevic struck a final minute goal - his second of the match - to rescue the game in a riveting see-saw clash.  Earlier in the game, rising Aussie star Eddie Krncevic scored twice for the locals after nuggetty midfielder Peter Raskopoulos had opened the scoring in the first minute.

Peter Beggs also bagged a brace for NSW with Charalabos Intzoglou, Franjo Vladic and Aristedis Ardizoglou also getting on the score sheet for the Greeks.

Current AEK president Stavros Adamidis (pictured) says returning to Australia was an opportunity they jumped at. "After 30 years from our previous visit, it was about time; and a perfect opportunity for us (to tour Australia) in July," he told Australia's Neos Kosmos newspaper.

"We didn't have to think very long about it. It is our obligation to make every effort to get up close and personal with AEK fans in Australia.

"We have an obligation to our supporters world-wide, including Australia."

Adamidis promised to bring the strongest squad available, including new signing from Portsmouth, Senegalese star Papa Bouba Diop.

Aussie Nathan Burns is also in the touring squad and the club is poised to decide on the player's future after a successful loan stint at promoted Greek second division club Corfu last season (31 appearances/eight goals).

Burns recently told au.fourfourtwo.com that he felt his chances of playing for AEK this season - his third of a four year deal - were much better as a result of his loan stint.

"Last season I didn't feel like I'd play [at AEK] and this year I'm in a lot better condition and honestly I wouldn't stay here if I didn't think I'd play."

However Coach Bajevic said Burns was still not a certainty for the club this season with a decision on the former Adelaide United star said to be imminent.

"He had a good season at Kerkyra and we're hoping to make a decision on Nathan very soon."