First, you can anchor the inner cable in the crossways piece of brass rod by getting a very small wood-screw, inserting the end of the cable inner across the brass rod, and screwing the wood screw into the end of the cable inner to expand it. Then file the head off the wood screw, so it will not interfere with inserting the brass rod into the hole in the clutch handle. Do not try to use a self-tapping screw unless you have a bench grinder: self-tappers are file-hard, while wood screws are soft mild steel.
Second, you can usually install either end of the cable first, but you have to back off the lock nuts all the way so you have some slack in the cable outer, or you will not be able to put it into position on its end supports. Then adjust up the lock nuts while holding the cable outer in place.
