Freelander Problem with Shifting

Hi I recently bought an imported UK Freelander 2002 model with a TD4 engine. RIght now I'm having trouble especially when the car had stood still for a while with shifting gears especially with the 1st and reverse gears. As the engine starts to heat up the situation gets better and better but its very tidou, not to be capable to engage a gear for the first few kms... What are your suggestions please?? Just one last question, those the engine bay cover beneath the engine can be removed? and how? its a little bit difficult for me as I cant find a HAYNES manual which covers my Landie as the last edition only covered the TDI engine only. Any help will be greatly appreciated pals THANKS

sounds like the clutch is dragging, normally down to the master or slave cylinder, if its the slave cylinder then the gearbox will have to come out as its inside the bellhousing,

the undertray does come off, 2 screws at the front holds the bumper to it, some but not all have 2 more screws each side that hold the bumper to it, 2 13mm bolts hold the tray to the front and 4 13mm bolts and 2 10mm bolts hold the tray at the rear onto the subframe