NEWPORT County AFC have signed striker Rene Howe an 18-month contract running until the end of the 2014/15 season.

The 27-year-old was a free agent after being released by County’s League Two rivals Burton Albion by mutual consent this morning.

Howe made 19 appearances for the Brewers, scoring twice, and was an unused substitute when the Exiles were beaten 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium on December 29.

He will take the pressure off front men Danny Crow, Conor Washington and Christian Jolley, who have scored just one goal between them since mid-November.

And Howe will also plug the gap left by injured strikers Aaron O’Connor and Chris Zebroski.

The Bedford-born player has previously turned out for Bedford Town, Kettering Town, Peterborough United and Torquay United.

He has worked with Justin Edinburgh before, during a loan spell at Rushden & Diamonds in the 2010/11 season, and has been a long-term target of the Exiles boss.

"I'm delighted to have signed Rene," said Edinburgh.

"He's someone who I've known for a long time and he will bring goals to the team."