94 Ford Escort GT 5 speed std.

I have a 94 Ford Escort GT with a 5 speed std. transmission, when I depress the clutch pedal the starter engages, even though the key is not in the ignition. The car will not start but if I put the key into the ignition and turn it the start position the car will start. However, evertime I depress the clutch pedal to shift gears the starter engages. Someone said I may need a new ignition switch. Can anyone verify this or do I have another problem.