Now a veteran of 24 Scotland caps, Laidlaw appears to have finally established himself at scrum-half for both club and country.
But Laidlaw's versatility is not to be underestimated, like a Frederic Michalak or a Ruan Pienaar he is equally adept at fly-half.
Indeed it was with the No.10 on his back that Laidlaw led Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations and even more impressively his club to the semi-final of the 2011-12 European Cup.
That run to the last four included a superb quarter-final win over Toulouse where Laidlaw's 14-point haul proved absolutely vital.
This season Edinburgh are still searching for their best form domestically but Laidlaw has tallied 45 points from his three RaboDirect PRO12 appearances.
And in Europe they have scored major wins over Munster at home and last weekend went to Kingsholm to take down Gloucester to leave them still challenging in Pool 6.
Laidlaw missed the latter clash but both club and country will need the pint-sized warrior back on the field for the Six Nations and season run-in.
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