TDI tailgate lock, what's the problem?

Hi all, just spent two hours in the back trying to figure out how to get the outside handle to work. Original lock knackered, bought another (springs all okay) stripped it all out, putting it back together it seems that the little lever which pulls up the lock mechanism gets stuck by the end of the nut (as shown in the picture). I've tried putting the lever the other way round but gets caught by the bracket, so that's not it, the inside handle can open the door. So what's wrong with the picture? is it the right lever?

Help !
Al

Does anyone have a picture of how the lock is supposed to sit in the tailgate ?

Cheers
Al