Rory Keane reports from Syon Park, London
IT’S BEEN a whirlwind few days for Greig Laidlaw.
The Scotland scrum-half was called up to Warren Gatland’s squad on Saturday night after Ben Youngs withdrew due to family reasons.
The sad circumstances surrounding Youngs’ family situation has opened to door for the 31-year-old who will now travel with the squad to New Zealand next month.
“Listen first and foremost I think everyone’s thoughts are with Tom, with Ben and the whole of the Youngs family, certainly from within the camp here today as well,’ said Laidlaw at the Lions base in London this afternoon.
“It’s a great opportunity to come in for myself to get my feet on the ground, get involved and put my print on the squad.
“I didn’t get the call until late Saturday night, so it’s quick turnaround.”
Laidlaw’s call-up is a boost to Scotland’s ranks with the veteran half-back joining Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour on the flight to Auckland at the end of the month.
“I am delighted to be here from a Scottish perspective. You fly the Scottish flag.
“You are an ambassador for your country and for your team-mates on trips like this. I just caught up with Hoggy and Tommy. The Scottish boys on the trip will put their best foot forward. I think they were pretty happy to see me. I was with them as well. I spoke to Hoggy on the phone over the weekend. It was good to meet all the boys and get to know the squad.
A composed operator at the base of the scrum, Laidlaw was a frontrunner for a place in the original Lions squad before he suffered an ankle injury against France in the Six Nations.
His goal-kicking prowess and leadership was sorely missed as the Scots’ challenge faded later in the tournament after a thrilling victory over Ireland in the opening round at Murrayfield.
Laidlaw has since returned to action and featured for Gloucester in their last three games and is fighting fit ahead of next month’s daunting 10-match expedition.
Conor Murray and Rhys Webb will be targeting the number nine jersey ahead of the opening Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park on 24 June, but Laidlaw insists he will not be going to New Zealand to make up the numbers.
“Everybody is targeting to start for sure. I am no different. I have been a competitor all my life and that is one of my strengths that will never leave me because I want to start.
“First and foremost, especially for me coming in a little later, it is about getting in now and making sure I train well and when I get an opportunity I make sure I take it.”
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