Laidlaw takes centre stage for Scottish derby

The Edinburgh captain, who can also play scrum-half, will once again team up with Mike Blair at half-back following a strong display in last Friday's 19-12 Heineken Cup defeat of Cardiff Blues - the sixth win from seven matches at Murrayfield.

Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley has made one change for the first of two 1872 Cup derby matches, with Ross Rennie called up to start at flanker in place of Roddy Grant, who drops to the bench. Prop Allan Jacobsen has been bracketed with Kyle Traynor and could yet drop out after sustaining a head knock sustained against the Blues.

Chris Paterson is set to line up at fullback after announcing his retirement from international rugby with Scotland. Bradley is relishing taking on Sean Lineen's Glasgow, who are unbeaten in seven games and also provide the opposition on New Year's Day.

The Irishman said: "Glasgow have been going very well this year, their form in both competitions is excellent. They have a lot of confidence and have plenty of options in terms of selection. Their determination will be similar to ours, we certainly want to win our home match and if we can manage to do the double over Glasgow we'll be very happy."

The prospect of proving credentials for Scotland selection for the Six Nations will add spice to the occasion, which is set to be played out in front of more than 9,000 fans. Bradley added: "Individual rivalries are obviously a factor in this match, with national team selection an exciting component to a day where you will see players, who compete for the same position at an international level, go head-to-head.

"Part of the equation for those players progressing into international rugby is that they're involved in a winning side and that's our objective, first and foremost, on Boxing Day."

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