DAVID Howell enjoyed an impressive second round at the Irish Open after recovering from an early setback to end day two three-under par.

The Broome Manor man ended his first round one-over and things quickly got worse at Fota Island as he shot a double bogey on the second hole to slip to three-over.

However, two quick birdies at four and six got him back level for his round, although another shot went begging at the eighth, but five birdies on the back nine put him right back in the hunt going into the weekend.