DAVID Howell booked his place in the latter stages of the BMW International Open in Munich with a second solid round of the week.

The Swindon star, who scored a three-under-par 69 on Thursday, followed that up in Germany with a two-under 70 to leave him five-under overall.

The 40-year-old’s second round got off to the perfect start as he teed off from the 10th hole to claim a birdie three.

The Broome Manor pro backed that up on the 12th with a birdie two to go out in a two-under 34 without dropping a shot.

Howell continued to impress playing alongside clubhouse leader Rafa Cabera-Bello, who sits at the top of leader board with an overall score of 12-under, and South African Retief Goosen on his back-nine.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner picked up his third birdie of the day when he shot a three on the par-four fourth hole, however, the perfect round eluded Howell as he dropped a shot on seven with a bogey five followed by a bogey four on eight.

Howell returned to clubhouse a relieved man with a birdie four on his final hole to ensure he made the cut for the first time in four outings.