Laidlaw targets Test spot after late Lions call-up
Leicester scrumhalf Youngs withdrew on Saturday on compassionate grounds after his sister-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
"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," said Laidlaw, whose Six Nations campaign was ruined by ankle trouble.
"But 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 never got the call until late Saturday night, so it's a quick turnaround."
Laidlaw, who is joining French giants Clermont from Gloucester next season, added: "This call-up might sink in in the next few days, potentially we've got a few games left with Gloucester so my focus is on that right now.
The 31-year-old goal-kicking scrumhalf said he had been given the perfect boost before next month's tour to New Zealand by managing to fight back to full fitness three weeks ahead of schedule.
"Everyone will be targeting a start for sure, and I'll be no different," said Laidlaw. "I'm a competitor, and that's one of my strengths that will never leave me.
"Everyone wants to start, but first and foremost for me it's about getting in and getting settled, then making sure that when I get an opportunity I take it.
"I've got a good opportunity to get out there now and put in another good performance."
Agence France-Presse