Clark Pushing Hard For Place in Euros Squad

Ciaran Clark who scored the match winner against Switzerland on Friday night spoke about his performance against the Swiss when he joined Martin O’Neill for his post training press conference on Monday.

"To be honest everyone is trying to do their best just to try and impress and force their way into the 23 man squad (for France), whether in training or the games I'm trying to impress," said Clark.

Clark is also aware that by being in and out of his club team Aston Villa things have been difficult.

"I want to bring my confidence from the national team to Aston Villa, for whatever reason it's been a bit up and down this season for me at club level. To come away and play it’s brilliant for me and the result was the main thing at the end of the night."

He also says that being with the Boys in Green is a welcome distraction away from Aston Villa’s current situation in the Premier League.

"It's nice to come away (from Villa) and meet up with the boys and staff, it's a different atmosphere when we play (for Ireland). We like to do our best and enjoy it, there is a great bond between the players and the staff," concluded Clark.

Tomorrow's game against Slovakia will be the first time the sides have met in a friendly. The last time was during a 2012 Euro qualifier which ended 0-0. Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night is 19:45.