Bale could take striker role for Wales
National pride: Gareth Bale is set to feature on the wing during Wales' friendly against Austria on Wednesday
Bale, 23, has been in fine form for Tottenham of late, scoring a pair of stunning goals in his last two appearances against Norwich and West Bromwich Albion.
The Wales international's displays have led to calls for Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas to move the player into a central role, given the club's current shortage of strikers - something the Portuguese has hinted is an option he is prepared to try.
But while Coleman insists Bale will not be playing down the middle against Austria, he has echoed Villas-Boas' comments that it could be something to consider further down the line.
"Gareth will not start up front against Austria, but it is something I'm actively considering for the future," he 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.''
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