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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he remembers the nail-biting final moments of his team's epic comeback win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. That match ended with Galbraith temporarily wearing a fan's glasses following the on-field celebration.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a speculative strike from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess promptly slammed home the deflection before racing off toward the home end to celebrate, with fans congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

The victory capped an unbelievable recovery given the team had been behind 2-0 deep into the latter period. In the delirium, there was some collateral damage. Galbraith explained, "There was a spectator shouting out and Josh Key and I were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment putting them on. We are on the pitch as athletes but we're people, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Manchester City Challenge

That win secured a upcoming game at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. He had an excellent perspective when the underdogs took the lead in spectacular fashion, with Jamie Donley's volley from about 45 yards going in via the woodwork and the City goalkeeper. It feels criminal that it was credited as an own goal.

"You would have hoped they would've given it to him for having a go from that far out," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before moving to right defensive wing after the team changed shape. That meant competing with Jack Grealish, with whom he traded tops, and the player was among the Manchester squad who praised the way Orient played positively.

Opponent's Class

"Athletically they are exceptional but even the basics and routine actions, they can just execute repeatedly," the midfielder notes. "It seems as if they never miss a pass and they understand how to control and neutralize a game. You can think you're holding your own and then suddenly they will just fizz a pass past your midfield without you even seeing. You have to be switched on every second of the game. It demands a tough attitude and focus just to stay in the game."

New Chapter

The Welsh side sought to acquire Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to bring him in in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He made a name as a fans' favourite across a couple of years at Leyton Orient and has swiftly done the same in Wales. At the London club he joined forces once more with his former manager, who previously gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at his loan club from Old Trafford. Then came a temporary move at lower division the Manchester club, before he permanently left Old Trafford.

Learning Curve

"I was probably a slightly green going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say youth team games is entirely separate. Sometimes it seems the ball is moved without real physicality. You see few tackles or duels. Once you start playing men's games you have to adapt rapidly."

National Team Success

He has shown that growth for both domestically and internationally, performing well for Northern Ireland, who could still reach the global tournament next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has been selected in the last several matches, including home and away games against Germany. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's ex- international manager, offered the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he controls possession and his knack for a killer pass.

Starting Out

It has been a remarkable path for the player from the local area in his hometown, just outside the capital, who grew up watching his father, his father, also a engine room operator, play for a local club.

Old Trafford Memory

His sole appearance for Manchester United came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to Astana, where they played on an artificial pitch and the venue ceiling was sealed owing to the weather of -15C. "That proved to be a extended travel and it was chilly," he comments, smiling. "The week before, several youth players and I trained together, so that aided our adjustment. Just to join the main group and get a couple of minutes at the end was amazing."

Leaving United

How difficult was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "This turned out quite easy, because I reached the point where I understood I couldn't establish myself at the top level. I'm hugely grateful for the time I spent there but it reached a stage where I felt I required a fresh start, move to a lower level and play first-team games. Now I'm steadily working my way back up."

Life in Swansea

It is the early part of the afternoon at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has an appointment at 5pm: a road rules assessment, another step towards getting on the road. Prior to relocating to his new neighborhood, the young professional was a regular in Swansea's nicknamed team minibus, a small coach driven by team personnel, the drivers, which shuttles players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"It's myself Gonçalo Franco, the Brazilian, the midfielder – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's pleasant to interact with the teammates but I'm hoping to be the following person out of the minibus and on the road. Franco is known for his humor; he's always up to all sorts."

Fan Interactions

When he represented Orient, Galbraith would blend in with supporters on the Tube after commuting at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim