NEWPORT County AFC striker Rene Howe has lifted the lid on the off-the-field problems that have put his struggles on the pitch into perspective.

The 28-year-old has yet to score this season in a campaign that has been blighted by injury and has seen him fail to rediscover his best form.

Howe was the subject of fans’ frustrations during the 1-0 home defeat to Morecambe last weekend and he has appealed for the amber army to get behind the side when they visit his former club Burton Albion on Saturday.

The striker also revealed that his wife Debora has been receiving treatment for a serious illness at the Royal Gwent Hospital over recent months.

“The fans did get frustrated on Saturday and that’s going to happen when things aren’t going well,” he said.

“I heard a few fans booing me and if that’s what they want to do that’s fine.

“But the only way we can get a positive out of it is if they get behind us and I thought they were a bit harsh on us on Saturday.

“I would prefer them to be a bit more positive towards myself and the team and help us out because they are the 12th man.

“A lot of people don’t know that my wife is actually really ill in hospital at the minute,” added Howe.

“That’s not any excuse and I obviously give 110 per cent to the team but I’ve had the injury, which laid me off for four or five months and then my wife’s been ill.

“We do have lives outside football and playing is a release.

“We’re privileged to be in this sport and everyone is giving 110 per cent.

“Saturday was just one of those days where we underperformed and conceded a lucky goal.

“We’re working as hard as we can on the training pitch and hopefully we can go to Burton and get three points.”

Howe thanked new manager Jimmy Dack and former boss Justin Edinburgh for their support as well as staff members like Lisa Savage, who have helped look after his young son Josh.

“Juggling everything is tough,” he said. “But Dacky has been very supportive and he told me not to come in for recovery on Monday because my wife had another operation.

“That’s a big bonus because I’ve never been in this situation before and sometimes I do need to be with her.

“He’s been great with me and so was the gaffer before because it’s been going on for a couple of months. They’ve been a massive support.

“Everyone around the club has been helping out. Lisa has looked after Josh and I’d like to say a massive thanks to her.

“I’m positive and we just need to get through it but it does put football into perspective.”