DAVID Howell is in the chasing pack after a decent opening round at the £3million Barclays Scottish Open.

The man from Broome Manor shot a two-under-par 69, which left him five shots behind joint leaders Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Sweden's Alexander Noren.

Howell opened in brilliant style, with birdies at three of the first four holes sandwiching a bogey at the second.

Two of each on the back nine completed a satisfactory afternoon for Howell, who was tied for 35th at the close.