Despite two defeats and a draw in the Inter Pro Cup Howarth told the Evening Times that he still feels Glasgow Warriors can avoid playing in the Parker Pen Shield next season.
"We still have five games to play. We have got to play Borders twice at Hughenden and Edinburgh at home as well. If we can win these games we can still be in contention.
"It was disapointing to go down to the Borders again and fail to produce the goods. We have to take some time off and think, both individually and collectively about what we need to do to rectify the situation."
Howarth is looking forward to Glasgow's next outing against Sale Sharks in the Heineken Cup. He admitted: "Our whole season hinges on this game. It's a do or die match for us but it gives us something to focus on and work towards."