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Ethan Galbraith breaks into a smile as he remembers the nail-biting dying seconds of his team's epic comeback victory against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The encounter wrapped up with Galbraith picking up a fan's glasses amid the post-goal scrum.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a powerful shot from distance, and the defender promptly converted the deflection before charging toward the East Stand to celebrate, with the crowd swarming the players.

Extraordinary Turnaround

The victory capped an incredible turnaround given the Welsh side had found themselves down 2-0 midway through the final 45 minutes. During the celebrations, there was some collateral damage. The midfielder recalled, "There was a supporter trying to get our attention and we were thinking: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment putting them on. We are on the pitch as footballers but we're people, too, so to have a laugh with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

That win booked a next round fixture 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 arguably the best view when his former team took the lead in remarkable manner, with Jamie Donley's volley from about 45 yards going in via the woodwork and the opposition keeper. It feels criminal that it was credited as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've credited him for having a go from that range," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before moving to right flank after Orient changed formation. That meant getting to grips with Jack Grealish, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the player was among the City players who praised the way Orient attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Fitness-wise they are exceptional but even the simple things and basic skills, they can just do it over and over again," he explains. "It appears that they always find their target and they know how to dictate and neutralize a game. You can think you're all right and then suddenly they will just deliver a through ball past your midfield without you even noticing. You have to be focused every second of the game. It demands a resilient mindset and attention just to remain competitive."

Swansea Move

Swansea were keen on Galbraith in January and secured his signature to secure him in the summer in a significant move. He established himself as a fans' favourite across a couple of years at Leyton Orient and has swiftly replicated that in his new home. At Orient he reunited with the coach, who previously gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in first-team action on loan at his loan club from Manchester United. Then came a spell at League Two Salford City, before he departed Manchester United.

Development Path

"I was probably a somewhat inexperienced going into professional soccer. I think numerous professionals would say youth team games is completely distinct. Sometimes it feels like possession is exchanged without serious challenge. There are limited physical contests. Once you start playing men's games you have to adapt rapidly."

Country Call-ups

He has demonstrated that development for his team and nation, performing well for Northern Ireland, who are fighting to qualify for the World Cup next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has featured in the last several matches, including two matches fixtures against a football powerhouse. The ex-coach, Galbraith's ex- international manager, gave him the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession 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 his hometown, just outside Belfast, who was raised observing his father, the elder Galbraith, also a engine room operator, play for a local club.

Red Devils Debut

Galbraith's only game for Manchester United came in the away trip in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the Kazakh capital, where they played on an plastic turf and the arena covering was closed owing to the weather of bitter cold. "That proved to be a long trip and it was freezing," he says, grinning. "The preceding week, the academy prospects practiced as a group, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to travel with the first team and earn some playing time at the end was incredible."

Moving On

How difficult was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "The decision proved quite easy, 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 experience gained but it reached a stage where I felt I needed to go my own route, drop down the leagues and play first-team games. Now I'm steadily working my way back up."

New Environment

This occurs during the middle of the day at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has an appointment at 5pm: a learner's exam, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Until recently to the local area, the 24-year-old was a regular in Swansea's dubbed player transport, a team vehicle driven by academy staff, the drivers, which ferries players to and from practice and games.

"My companions include Gonçalo Franco, Ronald, an Ivorian player – Melker Widell used to be in it but has got his license. It's nice to interact with the lads but I'm aiming to be the following person out of the minibus and behind the wheel. Franco enjoys practical jokes; he's frequently playing tricks."

Public Engagement

During his time at his former club, Galbraith would travel alongside fans on the Tube after commuting at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim