How to attach fluid supply hose to clutch master cylinder?

The fluid supply socket on the clutch master cylinder on my 2007 v6 4WD is very inconveniently located on the back of the cylinder and the cylinder's position behind the pedal and in between two braces to which it is attached makes it even more difficult.

By looking from the front, it is barely possible to see the little socket tube on the cylinder side. After a cylinder replacement, I am struggling to reattach the hose because it is so tucked away that it is barely possible to reach for the clamp with something like channel locks or locking pliers. Even then, the hose goes into the cylinder from the left side and to put it on requires a push and there is just not enough room for the operation to the left of the clutch.

How is this performed? Can it be done without taking the plastic from under the steering wheel off to gain more access? Should I set locking pliers onto the clamp and then somehow push the hose onto the tube? It seems like I need more space to maneuver.