Had issues with my car the last couple days, really hard to change gears (1,2 and 3) and got to a point i physically couldn't get the car in gear after i stopped in the driveway. This morning i had another look to see what it did and the gears when the car was off were fine however when i turned the car on there was a shuddering noise from the transmission i assume when the car was on and i depressed the clutch (not when clutch was lifted).

Took it to be looked at by my mechanic and he's opinion is that the shifter is the culprit and it's not the clutch but would a shifter make such a audible rattle? Is there anyway to rule out any clutch problems without dropping the whole thing? anyone had similar problems?

Any help is appreciated!