Renault Clio 2002?

I have a R Clio 52 plate, 16v 1.2 litre

The plugs are set deep in the engine. After lifting off the top plastic cover and removing the ignition lead, my spark plug socket will not go into the protective tube surrounding where the lead went to the plug

do they make a special thin socket to remove the plugs, or does that tube remove easily?

thanks for any help