The 24-year-old ruptured her ACL against Celtic last April and after undergoing surgery and a gruelling recovery programme, she entered the pitch for the last half hour of Rangers’ 4-0 victory over Hamilton.
And Howat – who has been hailed by supporters for her punditry on Rangers TV over the past year – capped off her return with a goal.
She said: “I’m delighted to get on the park, delighted to get 30 minutes under my belt and then obviously getting the goal tops it off and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“It has been nine months since I was last on the pitch and ever since that night getting back on the pitch has been my goal.
“Every single person in the club from medical staff, physios, doctors, coaches and the girls have been amazing. They have got around me from the day it happened right to the end there and it was great to be able to celebrate with them after I scored the goal.”