Former Melbourne Victory striker George Howard is back in Victoria, signing with NPL outfit South Melbourne.

Howard had a short stint playing in the NSW NPL with APIA Leichhardt but has returned to Melbourne to play with the club out of Lakeside Stadium.

He is likely to come straight into the South squad for this weekend’s clash against Bulleen Lions.

“George is a very composed and versatile forward, who can play in any role across the front three, and just behind the striker,” coach Sasa Kolman told www.smfc.com.au.

“With his experience at national level and hard-working nature, we hope that he can make an immediate impact at our club.”

Howard spent three years under Kevin Muscat at Victory, making 13 appearances and scoring one goal in the Hyundai A-League.