Republic of Ireland 1-0 Switzerland

Switzerland's Admir Mehmedi competes with Robbie Brady of the Republic of Ireland

Ciaran Clark's early header was enough to give the Republic of Ireland victory in their friendly with Switzerland in Dublin.

Less than two minutes had been played when the Aston Villa man converted central defensive partner Shane Duffy's flick-on from a Robbie Brady corner.

The Irish lost striker Kevin Doyle to what looked like a bad leg injury before the break.

Shane Long had a chance to make it 2-0 but saw his header strike the crossbar.

Switzerland almost grabbed a late equaliser when substitute Shani Tarashaj had a shot deflected inches wide.

Battle for Euro 2016 places

With players like Robbie Keane, Anthony Pilkington and Jonathan Walters out injured, Republic manager Martin O'Neill had the chance to give some fringe players an opportunity to shine.

Brentford midfielder Alan Judge worked hard on his international debut and Blackburn defender Duffy, in his second international, was involved in the goal and went on to give an assured performance.

Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane and Aberdeen player Jonny Hayes came on for their international bows, getting half an hour to catch the eye.

O'Kane, a former Irish League player with Coleraine, almost grabbed a goal near the end. He pounced on a loose pass but curled his shot just wide.

Doyle injury setback for Irish

Colorado Rapids striker Kevin Doyle's match ended early as he was carried off injured in the first half

The one disappointment for the Republic was the first-half injury to striker Doyle, who was getting a rare start and an opportunity to stake a claim to be one of the 23 picked by Martin O'Neill for the Euros.

The 32-year-old, now playing Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids and making his 62nd international appearance, went in for a block tackle and was left writhing on the ground with a leg injury.

Doyle immediately signalled to the bench that his game was over. Sadly, it could also be the end of his Republic career.

It was a sad sight as Doyle, who has been a great servant for the Irish, was taken off on a stretcher before going to hospital for an X-ray.

Man of the match - Shane Duffy (Republic of Ireland)

Shane Duffy's display suggests Martin O'Neill has central defensive options

A composed and commanding display from the Blackburn Rovers central defender in only his second international appearance.

What they said

Republic manager Martin O'Neill: "I know it was a friendly but it is nice to get the win because it keeps the momentum going.

"I think we can be more confident on the ball.

"I know all about Ciaran Clark because I had him as a youngster at Aston Villa.

"Young Shane Duffy did well, he was commanding and solid all evening."

Goalscorer Ciaran Clark: "It was important to keep a clean sheet and to get the goal was brilliant for me.

"We had worked on corners like that. It was an easy finish.

"There is a lot of competition in the squad - everyone is fighting for their place."

Defender Shane Duffy: "I enjoyed the night. We are all trying to impress the manager am I am going to keep my head down.

"We got the goal early, defended well in the second half and ground out the win."

What's next?

The Republic have another home friendly on Tuesday night when Slovakia come to the Aviva Stadium. Manager O'Neill says there will be changes in the Irish team.