The former Otago Boys' High School pupil is back in New Zealand, although he will line up for Team Wellington when it plays Southern United in Wellington on Sunday. Alongside Joel Stevens and Tom Jackson, he is one of three players from the South in the team.
''I'm really excited to play Southern United,'' Howieson (21) said.
''I know a couple of the lads so it will be awesome to play them. Obviously, I got to represent them, Otago United, Southern United, in the younger age-groups. I really enjoyed my time in Dunedin, so it will be good to get to play them and it should be an interesting game.''
Howieson returned to New Zealand from the UK two months ago after spending time at Burnley and Doncaster Rovers in England, as well as St Mirren in Scotland.
He made two appearances in the English Championship with Burnley but, after battling to make the first team for four years, went to St Mirren, where he played 15 matches in the Scottish Championship.
''The UK was really good. I was there for six years; it was a big learning curve. I obviously learnt a lot from the older players and it's just a different lifestyle.
''There's some big stars and that, but all the guys are very humble and very nice guys, willing to help the younger ones. It was very full on, but on a day-to-day basis it was the same stuff every week. A game on Saturday and training, gym sessions and then eating right and all sorts of stuff and just keeping on top of it.
''And trying to do the best you can to make it into the first team, because there's a lot of competition for places, a lot of older players and a lot of money in the game. It's very difficult. I don't think people realise how difficult it is; it's very tough.''
He eventually caught the home bug and decided it was time to return to New Zealand, having not enjoyed his last season overseas and wanting to spend time with his family. He hoped that would spark his enjoyment of the game again.
After a slow start, defending champion Team Wellington has been working its way back up the national league table and is in third place heading into the weekend.
For now, Howieson's focus remains on enjoying his time in Wellington and taking things as they come.
''Just take it game by game, just enjoy my football this season and see where it takes me. If I do really well and it takes me where I can see myself getting another professional contract I'd do so, but at this stage I just want to enjoy my football.''
