Gareth Bale was delighted to reveal another attacking weapon after introducing his long throw to international football.

Tottenham fans with long memories will recall a fresh-faced Bale throwing the odd missile during his time as a left-back at White Hart Lane.

But Bale's long throw was kept in cold storage for Wales until Thursday night's hard-fought 2-2 World Cup draw with Austria in Vienna.

Austria struggled with the surprise tactic all night with Wales claiming their second goal from a Bale throw.

Sam Vokes headed on and Austria's goalkeeper Robert Almer saved James Chester's close-range effort, only for the ball to strike Kevin Wimmer and creep over the line for an unfortunate own goal.

"I've had a long throw for a while but we've only just brought it out," Bale said.

"It was a nice surprise to use and it worked to help us get that point."

Bale felt Wales' performance against Austrian opponents who had won their previous 10 European Championship and World Cup qualifiers showed how far Chris Coleman's side has developed.

Wales remain in top spot in Group D but Austria, Serbia and Republic of Ireland all have four points after two games.

"Some days you don't have your best games but we've learned how to dig deep over the years," Bale said.

"This isn't an easy place to come, they haven't lost here in a long while or even dropped points.

"So to get a point is massive, especially when we're not playing at our best.

"That's the difference of this team now. When we're not playing well we know how to dig deep and grind results out."

Vokes got on the end of a few Bale long throws as the Burnley striker's aerial power caused Austria problems.

And Vokes feels it is a tactic Wales can use going forward on the road to Russia.

"I am more used to trying to get on the end of his crosses than his long throws," Vokes said.

"It is something different but it just shows what Gareth has got in the locker. It is a weapon we can use.

"We have not worked on it massively or used it before. But it is something we knew he had an ability to produce and it was effective, so I am sure we will use it again.

"We know the talent Gareth has and we know there is not much he cannot do."

Wales are set to be without Joe Allen against Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday.

The Stoke midfielder claimed his second goal in as many Wales games with a fine left-footed volley, but left the action early in the second half after feeling a twinge in his hamstring.

Wales boss Chris Coleman said Allen would be scanned upon his return home, but he does not expect him to feature against Georgia.

"Of course it is a big loss, you can see the kind of form he is in," Vokes said.

"He is going to be a miss if he is not fit, but we have good lads in the squad.

"We are confident we can get the job done. Seven points from three games would be a good return."