HELP - Dodge Neon

Anyone local ever replaced a clutch pedal return spring on a Dodge Neon ?

I was helping a friend replace the clutch cable and managed to snap the old return spring in the process. After fighting the new one for an hour i gave up and figured there must be some trick to getting it attached...

Anyone... :helpme:

Specifically, this is on a 97 neon, but i think all 95-99 Neons and possibly the newer ones have the same spring at least...

Gas can + match = insurance claim:wave:

Have you tried a brake spring tool? Sorry offer a valuable opinion

might be worth a shot. just not sure there is room for a tool larger than a screw driver ? Ill try though...