Biggar missed out on selection to the World Cup with Wales but has bounced back in emphatic fashion with his region finishing the season as the RaboDirect PRO12's leading scorer with 241 points.
But while the stand-off has long been known for his deadly boot, against Munster he demonstrated his all-round skills not only bagging 25 points but also scoring the opening try.
It was a performance that did not go unnoticed by the Wales hierarchy and Howley admits Biggar delivered the perfect response to being overlooked for the trip to New Zealand, fully earning his recall for the summer tour to Australia.
"We have been pretty honest with Dan over the last 12 months," said Howley.
"He missed out on World Cup selection. He's gone away and done an MOT on his game and worked particularly hard.
"I think he has matured over the last 12 months as a player and a person.
"I was really impressed with Dan on the weekend against Munster in the play-off semi-final.
"We know about his kicking game, but he is more of a running threat now with ball in hand.
"It's that balance in terms of his mix which Dan has gone away and worked on.
"The Ospreys are playing particularly well and Dan has certainly added value to the way they are playing.
"Their front five is going particularly well and as a 10 behind a pack going forward, Dan is showing the form he did when selected by Wales initially.
"He's been out of the national squad for a period of time, but he has gone away and worked on his game."
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