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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he recalls the dramatic dying seconds of Swansea's epic comeback triumph against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game ended with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles after the post-goal scrum.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith struck the post with a long-range shot from outside the box, and his teammate quickly slammed home the loose ball before racing off toward the crowd to celebrate, with fans congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

This sealed an unbelievable recovery given Swansea had trailed 2-0 during the second half. Amid the celebrations, there was some collateral damage. He shared, "There was a fan trying to get our attention and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were thinking: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a bit of banter putting them on. We are on the pitch as footballers but we're individuals, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

That win booked a next round match at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith ran close at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in spectacular fashion, with the attacker's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the woodwork and the City goalkeeper. It seems unfair that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have hoped they would've awarded it to him for attempting the shot from that far out," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before switching to right wing-back after they changed shape. That meant facing off against City's winger, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the opposition who praised the way Orient attacked the game.

Opponent's Class

"Athletically they are exceptional but even the basics and basic skills, they can just execute repeatedly," the midfielder notes. "It appears that they never miss a pass and they understand how to dictate and slow down a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then without warning they will just deliver a through ball between defenders without you even noticing. You have to be switched on at all times of the game. It takes a resilient mindset and concentration just to stay in the game."

Swansea Move

Swansea were keen on Galbraith in January and beat off competition to sign him in the summer in a significant move. He became a favorite as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at Orient and has rapidly done the same in his new home. At Orient he joined forces once more with his former manager, who previously gave Galbraith his first extended run in first-team action on loan at a League One side from Old Trafford. Then came a spell at League Two the Manchester club, before he departed Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was perhaps a somewhat inexperienced going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say under-23s football is completely distinct. Sometimes it feels like play is circulated without much intensity. There are limited physical contests. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

His progress reflects that development for his team and nation, excelling for Northern Ireland, who could still reach the international competition next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has started the past five games, including both legs games against Germany. The ex-coach, Galbraith's ex- international manager, offered the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he manipulates the ball and his ability to spot a killer pass.

Early Days

This represents an incredible journey for the kid from the Queens Park estate in Glengormley, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who was raised observing his dad, the elder Galbraith, also a central player, play for his father's team.

Old Trafford Memory

The player's sole appearance for United came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the host city, where they competed on an plastic turf and the venue ceiling was closed 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 trained together, so that assisted our preparation. Just to accompany the senior squad and get a couple of minutes at the end was amazing."

Moving On

How difficult was it to leave United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "It was relatively straightforward, because I reached the point where I knew I wasn't going to make it at first-team level. I'm very appreciative for the experience gained but it got to the point where I thought I needed to go my own route, drop down the leagues and play professional soccer. Now I'm slowly climbing the ladder."

New Environment

This occurs during the early part of the afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a road rules assessment, another step towards getting on the road. Before his recent move to his new neighborhood, the young professional was a frequent passenger in Swansea's dubbed fun bus, a team vehicle driven by club employees, the transport team, which transports players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"It's myself the Portuguese player, Ronald, Malick Yalcouyé – a former passenger used to be in it but has started driving. It's pleasant to socialize with the teammates but I'm planning to be the next one to stop using the bus and driving. His teammate enjoys practical jokes; he's frequently playing tricks."

Supporter Connections

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