Wales manager Chris Coleman is toying with the idea of playing Gareth Bale as a striker, but says he will feature out wide in the international friendly against Austria on Wednesday.
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Bale has been in fine form for Tottenham of late, netting eight goals in his last 11 matches, and Coleman believes playing the 23-year-old in a more advanced position could help the Dragons find the back of the net more often.
He has echoed the thoughts of Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, who is also pondering playing Bale in a striking role.
However, Coleman has admitted the midweek friendly against Austria might be a game too soon to employ him as a frontman.
"Gareth will not start up front against Austria, but it is something I'm actively considering for the future," the former Wales international said. "You have to score goals to win matches and it's a role he could perform, without any shadow of a doubt.
"He could even perform the role of a false nine, so to speak, the system Spain have used, and Barcelona also play that way from time to time with Lionel Messi. Could I see Gareth doing that for us, too? Yes I could."
Austria coach Marcel Koller is well aware of the threat the prolific Bale poses and believes keeping the Spurs star quiet is key if his team are to triumph at the Millennium Stadium.
"Bale is the key player for Wales, especially in terms of his offensive play. We have to work together to try and stop him, rather than having one player man-marking him," he said. "He is extremely fast and has very good technique."
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