Warren Gatland has hailed Wales's new generation of young talent after the retirement of veteran winger Shane Williams.

Williams, 34, retired from international rugby after Australia's 24-18 win over Wales on Saturday, during which he scored his 58th and final try with the last touch of the game.

Despite the mixed emotions of Williams's retirement, Gatland says that it is time for the younger generation to shine.

"You've got to be excited about the talents of those [younger players]," Gatland said. "With Shane Williams gone, Jamie Roberts is the oldest in the backline at 25.

"In the past we've had players who have been very good club players and have done a job, but they haven't had that x-factor.

"But we've got some players coming through who have got some speed, good hands and good passing skills. We've had insight into players coming through and we're really looking forward to the Six Nations and the next World Cup cycle through to 2015."

Following the 2012 Six Nations, Wales travel to Australia in the summer for a three-Test series with the Wallabies.