Golf MK1 Clutch

[TROOPER88]

Hi Guys
I am nearing the completion of a nut and bolt resto on a MK1 Golf GTi.

I have a problem!

I removed the engine and box from the donor car 6 months ago and at the time fitted a new clutch. I am not a mechanic by any means and am learning all the skills as I go

I do remember that it was very hard to select gears on the donor car.

Anyway everything is now fitted and I fitted a new clutch cable this morning.
The problem is that the clutch pedal now easily pushes to the floor and returns to its original position with next to no resistance....

I decided to remove the green end cap from the end of the box and as it was removed the release bearing fell out in pieces. The shell of the bearing was still in place but the bearings and metal round pieces had all fallen out/broken.

I popped out and purchased a new one but before fitting it I had a look at how I think! the mechanism works.

It looks like as you press the pedal you are pulling up on the clutch lever on the side of the box which in turn should move the push rod against the clutch diaphragm? The prob is when looking through from the end cap I can not see the push rod!!

I really do not see how I could have lost the push rod but it would explain why the pedal has no resistance and is not operating the clutch.

Should you be able to see the push rod from the end of the box?
I even slid a screwdriver into the hole and there is nothing there.....

How could the release bearing be so broken?

Sorry for being so vague but I am literally learning as I go.

Cheers