sierra 5 speed no reverse

[blackjack74]

I've neglected my MkI 2 dr Escort for too long & have joined this forum to get motivated to get it back on the road. It runs a 2l , 5 speed , MkII diff & Capri struts. I haven't found reverse for years. It just won't engage? Any ideas? I've removed the reverse switch just to see if that seized, I've reversed the gear stick to see if that made a difference. I would prefer not to buy another one!! EDIT I have vague memories of a white plastic 'bit' that sat under the gearstick ball that was broken & I removed the remnants- perhaps this is important LOL ps I don't think reverse is damaged ie no rollbacks etc