Howell was banned for three matches after his sending off

Harlequins head coach Brian McDermott has praised the performance of David Howell on his comeback from suspension in Sunday's win at Bradford.

The Australian centre scored two tries as Quins ended their six-match losing run with a 22-14 victory at Odsal.

McDermott told BBC London 94.9: "I probably said the wrong thing before the game, I said 'don't try and win it on your own'.

"He was busting to do everything for the team and had a massive influence."

Howell was sent off for elbowing Sam Tomkins during Quins' defeat to Wigan last month, forcing him out of action for the last three weeks.

McDermott says the punishment hurt Howell: "He felt mortified about what he did against Wigan.

"He felt like he'd let everybody down. He hadn't, but that's how it was perceived by the judiciary board at least.

"He had to do his penance and he was brimming there," he added.

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