Tubular Shock Link

[Dirtrack49]

Hi all,

The third time I took my car out for a drive after purchasing it, I hit a broken manhole cover with the drivers front wheel.
After looking things over, I saw that the tubular shock link had been blown off the car. So far, the only other thing that seems to not be correct is my shock has up and down play in it at the end of the arm.
I would like to know if there should be some play in the shock, or how I can test it to make sure it is still usable?
What else should I be looking for as far as possible damage?
Any tips on how to install a new shock link?

Thanks for any and all help.
Tom L.