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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he recalls the dramatic final moments of his team's epic comeback win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The game ended with Galbraith temporarily wearing a supporter's spectacles following the on-field celebration.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a speculative shot from outside the box, and Cameron Burgess quickly slammed home the deflection before racing off toward the crowd to celebrate, with supporters swarming the players.

Remarkable Recovery

This capped an incredible turnaround given the Welsh side had been behind 2-0 during the second half. Amid the delirium, there was some collateral damage. Galbraith explained, "There was a supporter shouting out and we were thinking: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as players but we're humans, too, so to have a laugh with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

That win secured a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the same stage of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. He had a prime vantage point when the underdogs took the lead in stunning style, with Jamie Donley's volley from about 45 yards going in via the woodwork and the City goalkeeper. It seems unfair that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've given it to him for having a go from that range," commented Galbraith, who started in midfield before switching to right wing-back after they changed tactics. That meant getting to grips with City's winger, with whom he swapped shirts, and the player was among the City players who paid tribute to the way the underdogs played positively.

Opponent's Class

"Fitness-wise they are exceptional but even the simple things and routine actions, they can just perform consistently," Galbraith says. "It feels like they always find their target and they know how to control and take the sting out of a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just thread a ball past your midfield without you even seeing. You have to be alert at all times of the game. It requires a tough attitude and concentration just to remain competitive."

Swansea Move

The Welsh side sought to acquire Galbraith in January and beat off competition to bring him in in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He made a name as a fans' favourite across a couple of years at Orient and has quickly replicated that in his new home. At the London club he joined forces once more with the coach, who earlier gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in senior football on loan at Doncaster from United. Then came a loan at fourth-tier Salford, before he moved on from Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was perhaps a slightly green going into senior level. I think a lot of players would say development squad matches is completely distinct. Sometimes it appears play is circulated without real physicality. You see few tackles or duels. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."

International Recognition

His progress reflects that growth for club and country, excelling for the Green and White Army, who could still reach the global tournament next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has featured in the recent fixtures, including home and away fixtures against a football powerhouse. His former international manager, Galbraith's previous international manager, offered the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he controls possession and his eye for a killer pass.

Early Days

It has been a remarkable path for the kid from the neighborhood in his hometown, just outside Belfast, who used to see his parent, the elder Galbraith, also a midfielder, play for his father's team.

Old Trafford Memory

His only game for United came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to Astana, where they competed on an plastic turf and the stadium roof was shut owing to temperatures of -15C. "That proved to be a long trip and it was cold out there," he says, smiling. "The preceding week, myself and quite a few of the young lads worked out jointly, so that aided our adjustment. Just to join the main group and earn some playing time at the end was amazing."

Moving On

How difficult was it to leave United, the club he joined from Linfield aged 16? "The decision proved quite easy, because I got to the stage where I understood I wouldn't break through at the top level. I'm very appreciative for the years at the club but it became apparent where I thought I had to take a different path, move to a lower level and play men's football. Now I'm gradually climbing the ladder."

Life in Swansea

It is the middle of the day at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has an appointment at 5pm: a learner's exam, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to the local area, the mid-twenties player was a frequent passenger in Swansea's dubbed fun bus, a minibus driven by academy staff, Pete and Howard, which transports players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"I travel with the Portuguese player, another squad member, an Ivorian player – Melker Widell used to be in it but has started driving. It's enjoyable to spend time with the lads but I'm planning to be the following person to drive independently and behind the wheel. Franco enjoys practical jokes; he's frequently playing tricks."

Public Engagement

While playing for Leyton Orient, Galbraith would blend in with supporters on the Tube after starting his journey at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim