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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he recalls the nail-biting dying seconds of his team's epic comeback triumph against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The encounter wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a spectator's eyewear after the on-field celebration.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess quickly hammered in the loose ball before sprinting toward the crowd to mark the goal, with the crowd mobbing the players.

Remarkable Recovery

The victory sealed an unbelievable comeback given the team had found themselves down 2-0 deep into the second half. During the delirium, there was some minor mishaps. Galbraith explained, "There was a spectator sort of calling out and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we spotted the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment putting them on. We are on the pitch as players but we're people, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

That win booked a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith came close against at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with the London side in February. Galbraith had arguably the best view when Orient took the lead in spectacular fashion, with Jamie Donley's volley from about long distance going in via the crossbar and the opposition keeper. Many argued that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have expected they would've credited him for taking the effort on from that far out," says Galbraith, who played in the middle before shifting to right defensive wing after Orient changed formation. That meant getting to grips with the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the attacker was among the City players who praised the way his former team approached the match.

Opponent's Class

"Physically they are exceptional but even the simple things and routine actions, they can just do it over and over again," the midfielder notes. "It feels like they never miss a pass and they are adept at control and take the sting out of a game. You can think you're doing well and then abruptly they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even noticing. You have to be focused at all times of the game. It demands a resilient mindset and concentration just to remain competitive."

Swansea Move

Swansea were keen on Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to bring him in in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He established himself as a popular figure across two seasons at his former club and has quickly replicated that in south Wales. At the London club he joined forces once more with the coach, who previously gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in senior football on loan at Doncaster from Manchester United. Then came a loan at League Two Salford, before he moved on from Old Trafford.

Learning Curve

"I was probably a bit naive going into senior level. I think numerous professionals would say development squad matches is very different. Sometimes it feels like possession is exchanged without serious challenge. You see few tackles or duels. Once you start playing men's games you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

He has demonstrated that growth for both domestically and internationally, shining for the Green and White Army, who remain in contention for the World Cup next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has been selected in the past five games, including two matches encounters against a football powerhouse. The ex-coach, Galbraith's former international manager, gave him the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he controls possession and his knack for a game-changing assist.

Early Days

This represents an incredible journey for the player from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who was raised observing his parent, the elder Galbraith, also a central player, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Red Devils Debut

His only game for Manchester United came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the host city, where they played on an artificial pitch and the stadium roof was shut owing to temperatures of freezing cold. "It was a lengthy journey and it was freezing," he recalls, grinning. "The preceding week, the academy prospects worked out jointly, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to join the main group and make an appearance at the end was amazing."

Leaving United

What was the challenge was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "It was fairly simple, because I arrived at the moment where I realized I wasn't going to make it at first-team level. I'm very appreciative for the years at the club but it got to the point where I felt I had to take a different path, move to a lower level and play professional soccer. Now I'm slowly working my way back up."

Life in Swansea

It is mid-afternoon at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a driving theory test, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the 24-year-old was a frequent passenger in Swansea's nicknamed fun bus, a minibus driven by team personnel, Pete and Howard, which transports players to and from training and matches.

"I travel with a teammate, the Brazilian, an Ivorian player – a former passenger used to be in it but has started driving. It's enjoyable to interact with the teammates but I'm hoping to be the subsequent individual to stop using the bus and on the road. Franco is known for his humor; he's always up to all sorts."

Supporter Connections

During his time at Leyton Orient, Galbraith would blend in with fans on the Tube after commuting at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim