DAVID Howell will play just his second European Tour event in three-and-a-half months today when he returns to action at the Lyoness Open in Austria.

Swindon star Howell made his comeback from a lengthy foot injury at the BMW PGA Championship a fortnight ago but a chest infection then forced him to take more time off after missing the cut at Wentworth.

That tournament was just the Broome Manor pro’s seventh of a frustratingly curtailed season, which has seen him collect just 42,000 Euros in prize money.

The 40-year-old’s best result in 2016 came back in January at the Joburg Open, where Howell finished in a tie for 13th place.

“I’m definitely feeling a lot healthier and the foot has continued to improve and is certainly playable for four days, so it’s a case of getting back out there now,” said Howell.

“My preparation for the PGA was abysmal but I have had much more of a normal week this week. I played nine holes on Monday and the pro-am today (Wednesday) and I’m looking forward to playing now. It feels like I am starting the season afresh.

“I would like to think I am one of the stronger players in the field but my game is very rusty so we will have to see.

“I am certainly not one of the favourites to win but if I can get into the top 30 or top 20, I wouldn’t be too disappointed, and anything better than that would be a real bonus.

“There’s no expectations but hopefully I can play like I can do and have a good week.”

Howell has no recent pedigree at the event – formerly known as the Austrian Open – to call upon if he is to enjoy a return to his best form at Diamond County Club in Atzenbrugg as this is his first entry since 2009.

The two-time Ryder Cup player finished in a tie for 30th place in his last outing in Austria seven years ago but missed the cut 12 months previously in his only other entry for the tournament.

“Traditionally, it has been one of the lower prize funds of the year and you can’t play them all and with the way it falls there’s a chance to play Wentworth, the Irish Open and have a bit of a break before preparing for the Open again,” added Howell.

“Things are a bit different for me this year but even in the last few years I’ve watched it on TV and thought I wouldn’t mind playing.

“It’s the first time I have seen it and there’s lots of water around and it looks like a tricky course.

“They are used to it being very wet out here but this year it is bone dry, so for the guys that are used to playing here, it is a bit of a different challenge. It looks like it will be a good test.”

Howell tees off his first round at noon (BST) today alongside Scotland’s Marc Warren and Dane Lucas Bjerregaard.

n Follow his progress at www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport.