Rep of Ireland v SwitzerlandCURRENTLY STUDYING Frank Lampard as part of his footballing education at Chelsea, Ireland captain Conor Clifford is keen to emulate the England star's goalscoring exploits and finally strike his first goal for his country against Switzerland today.

The 16-year-old from Palmerstown in Dublin, has yet to find the net in his 10 caps at this level, but knows he has more to offer as Ireland go for the win that's effectively required to keep them in the tournament.

"We go to the senior games and we do ball-boy and we have to watch," explained Clifford of his training at Chelsea whom he joined last summer. "I watch Lampard and Essien and see what they do well and what they don't do so well. I write down what they do well and try to do what they do. Just take notes.

"It's brilliant. Lampard can do everything, really; score goals and spray the ball everywhere. I'm looking at him a lot now as I need to start scoring more goals as a midfielder. Hopefully, I can get one today."

Clifford has met and spoken with Lampard and the other senior professionals at Chelsea who encourage all their teams to mix together on a daily basis.

"When I first went over, Frank Arnesen introduced me to Lampard and he just said to me to keep working hard, see what happens and hopefully you'll get your chance," said Clifford. "At first it was like 'there's Lampard' and you are just looking at them. But you get used to it. You are with them every day and you are just one of the lads. It's not too bad."

While Ireland lost 2-1 to France, the Swiss fell to a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opening match on Sunday. Though a draw would mathematically keep both involved, defeat for either would eliminate them from the tournament. Manager Seán McCaffrey has both defender Richie Towell and winger Conor Hourihane back from illness and suspension and both will start.

Defender Johnny Dunleavy's tournament looks over, however, as he struggles to shake off a hip problem while midfielder Gearóid Morrissey (groin) and winger Robbie Brady (hip) are doubtful starters.

"I'd be honest, I think if we draw we are both out of the competition. I think we have to win. So that's it," said McCaffrey. "We are hoping that we do win and that would set up a fantastic game against Spain in the last match.

"That game is being played in the evening so the heat won't have as big an impact as it did in the first game."