Gray has been been capped eight times for Scotland

Northampton Saints flanker Scott Gray has been called into the Scotland training squad as they began their Six Nations preparations.

The 31-year-old, capped eight times, provides cover for Ross Rennie and Al Strokosch, who were forced to sit out the session in St Andrews.

Mike Blair is making encouraging progress after an ankle injury.

Fellow scrum-half Greig Laidlaw was invited to the camp, but a shoulder knock prevented him taking part.

Rennie will require further assessment to the knee injury he sustained in Edinburgh's Heineken Cup victory over Stade Francais at the weekend.

And Scotland team doctor James Robson reported that Strokosch was stepping up his rehabilitation following an ankle injury.

Blair has not played any rugby since he was hurt during the Autumn internationals in November.

Edinburgh back Jim Thompson (swollen knee) and 20-year-old Glasgow lock Richie Gray (facial blow) were also forced to watch from the sidelines.

Andy Robinson's first Six Nations campaign as Scotland head coach gets under way against France at Murrayfield on 7 February.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version