Gray was one of several impressive performers in the final pre-season 66-0 romp over Treviso on Sunday.

The 30-year-old, who was signed from National League One outfit Doncaster, was part of an all-new back-row that looks set to start in the Guinness Premiership opener against Worcester on Sunday.

Mallinder said: "Scott Gray had a really good game on Sunday, we're pleased about that.

"He got around the field and showed why we had an interest in him.

"He's what you need in this game, you need a seven who can get around the field and as well as making tackles and getting over the ball can be that link man as well."

Gray, who has one Scotland cap to his name after three years with the now defunct Borders, also impressed scrum-half Lee Dickson.

"Grays had a phenomenal game on Sunday," said Dickson.

"He was all over the park and he even finished the game on the wing.

"He is a great talent, but we have also got Ben Lewitt at number seven.

"They will be pushing each other, there is a lot of competition in the squad."

Meanwhile, Senior Academy forwards Courtney Lawes and Rob Milligan have been selected in the 32-man England Under-20 squad for this season's internationals.

Lawes played in the IRB Junior World Championships earlier this summer in Wales, while Milligan has been promoted from the Under-18 squad, with whom he won a Grand Slam last season.

The Under-20 Six Nations begins with a home game against Italy on February 7.