May scores against the South African Barbarians © PA Photos

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Gloucester's Jonny May says his summer call up for England gave him a massive boost and confirmed in his mind where his future lies - as a roaming back-three player.

The speedster, who will captain Gloucester in Thursday night's JP Morgan Premiership Sevens at Kingsholm, was left frustrated by the Cherry and Whites woeful end of season form last term. But his call up to the England squad as a replacement for the injured George Lowe during their tour of South Africa, provided a major lift for the player and he is ready to hit the season running - starting with Friday's action at Kingsholm.

"I was a bit down in the dumps to be honest, with what happened at the club," he told the Gloucestershire Echo. "But to get that England call really picked me up and to go out there and do really well picked me up and I've got my enthusiasm back. "It was the boost I needed and I've had a summer tour, I've had time of f and now I'm going to have a full pre-season so it's the best of everything. With the new conditioning coach and the new rugby director and a few simple changes at the club, it seems like a fresh start."

May moved around the Gloucester backline last season, filling the centre, wing and fullback slots. His pace and wide range of skills have threatened to shackle him in the 'utility player' tag but the 22-year-old is now eager to nail down a position in Gloucester's back three.

"England definitely see me as more of a back three player and I definitely see that now, but for Gloucester if I need to cover in the centre it gives me a better appreciation of the position," he added.

"I just want to go back to work and become the best player that I can be and put in performances that I and my team-mates can be proud of, and hopefully a top-four Premiership finish and being more involved with England will follow."