Howells has endured a frustrating season to date with injuries and suspension limiting his domestic and international chances.
The 19-year-old flyer had looked set for a big season after he was handed a shock senior Wales debut on last summer's tour of Japan.
Instead Howells has had to bide his time and with Ospreys also able to call upon the services of Hanno Dirksen, Jeff Hassler and Aisea Natoga he admits he must be patient in his pursuit of a first RaboDirect PRO12 appearance.
"I'm still young but hopefully I can break through next year," said Howells.
"My season has been a bit slow, I was injured at the start and then it started to pick up in the [Under-20] Six Nations before I had the suspension in the France game.
"But things have been going well since then and hopefully I can build on those performances going into this summer."
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