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Ethan Galbraith breaks into a smile as he reminisces about the thrilling closing stages of Swansea's epic comeback win against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles after the pitch-side pile-on.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith struck the post with a long-range strike from distance, and his teammate quickly slammed home the loose ball before racing off toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with fans swarming the players.

Stunning Reversal

The result capped an unbelievable turnaround given Swansea had trailed 2-0 midway through the second half. During the celebrations, there was some minor mishaps. Galbraith explained, "There was a spectator trying to get our attention and we were thinking: '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 footballers but we're humans, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

That win earned a next round match at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith ran close at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with the London side in February. The athletic midfielder had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in stunning style, with the attacker's volley from about 45 yards going in via the bar and the opposition keeper. It seems unfair that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've credited him for having a go from that range," stated Galbraith, who started in midfield before switching to right flank after the team changed tactics. That meant competing with the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the attacker was among the City players who complimented the way his former team attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Fitness-wise they are outstanding but even the basics and routine actions, they can just perform consistently," the midfielder notes. "It seems as if they always find their target and they are adept at dictate and slow down a game. You can believe you're holding your own and then suddenly they will just thread a ball between defenders without you even noticing. You have to be focused throughout of the game. It requires a strong mentality and attention just to remain competitive."

New Chapter

The club were keen on Galbraith in January and secured his signature to bring him in in the summer in a significant move. He established himself as a crowd pleaser across two seasons at Leyton Orient and has quickly done the same in his new home. At his previous team he reunited with Richie Wellens, who earlier gave Galbraith his first extended run in senior football on loan at his loan club from Old Trafford. Then came a temporary move at fourth-tier the Manchester club, before he departed Old Trafford.

Learning Curve

"I was perhaps a bit naive going into senior level. I think numerous professionals would say development squad matches is entirely separate. Sometimes it feels like the ball is moved without much intensity. You see few hard challenges. Once you start playing men's games you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

His progress reflects that development for his team and nation, performing well for Northern Ireland, who could still reach the global tournament next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has featured in the last several matches, including both legs fixtures against Germany. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's former international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he manipulates the ball and his ability to spot a decisive through ball.

Humble Beginnings

It has been quite the ride for the youngster from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who grew up watching his father, his father, also a midfielder, play for his father's team.

Red Devils Debut

His only game for United came in the away trip in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the Kazakh capital, where they competed on an artificial pitch and the venue ceiling was closed owing to temperatures of freezing cold. "It was a lengthy journey and it was cold out there," he says, grinning. "The days leading up, the academy prospects trained together, so that aided our adjustment. Just to accompany the senior squad and earn some playing time at the end was unbelievable."

Leaving United

How hard was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged 16? "It was fairly simple, because I got to the stage where I realized I wasn't going to make it at the top level. I'm extremely thankful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I felt I required a fresh start, move to a lower level and play professional soccer. Now I'm slowly progressing again."

Welsh Adaptation

It is the middle of the day at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has somewhere to be at the early evening: a driving theory test, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a regular in Swansea's so-called player transport, a small coach driven by academy staff, the drivers, which transports players to and from training and matches.

"It's myself Gonçalo Franco, Ronald, Malick Yalcouyé – Melker Widell used to be in it but has got his license. It's enjoyable to socialize with the guys but I'm aiming to be the subsequent individual out of the minibus and behind the wheel. The Portuguese player likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Supporter Connections

While playing for Leyton Orient, Galbraith would blend in with fans on London's Central line after commuting at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim