Gareth Bale sets up potential Scotland blockbuster as he inspires Wales into World Cup playoff Final

Brilliant Gareth Bale bagged a stunning brace to sink Austria and leave Wales 90 minutes away from their first World Cup appearance since 1958 after a nerve-shredding 2-1 win.

And Scotland lie in wait if they defeat Ukraine with the rearranged clash between the sides marked in for June.

Bale had Wales two clear before Marcel Sabitzer pulled one back but it wasn't enough for Franco Foda's side who frantically pressed in the closing stages.

The scheduled date remains very much in pencil with Russia's invasion leaving UEFA closely monitoring the heartbreaking developments as a country deals with something greater than football.

Wales had enough on the night to down the gritty Austrians and that result means Steve Clarke 's men will be heading to Vienna for a friendly on Tuesday night.

The developing situation in Ukraine takes precedence but the winner of that tie will head to Cardiff a winner takes all clash in a bid to punch their ticket to Qatar.

Bale is the forgotten man at Real Madrid but he remains a talismanic figure for his country and his first goal from a free-kick was a thing of beauty.

And his second wasn't too shabby as he took advantage of a loose ball in the box before unleashing a left-footed strike into the net.

It was also a night to savour for Aaron Ramsey as the Rangers midfielder was sharp throughout.

Bale is set to become a free agent this summer and there have been fervent speculation that he will call time on his trophy-laden career after the World Cup if Wales make it.

But Clarke and his players will be acutely aware of his dangers he possesses if they are to be the side who line up opposite them in Cardiff.