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Ethan Galbraith breaks into a smile as he reminisces about the dramatic dying seconds of Swansea's remarkable turnaround victory against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The game wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles after the on-field celebration.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a powerful shot from distance, and his teammate quickly converted the deflection before sprinting toward the home end to revel in the moment, with supporters mobbing the players.

Remarkable Recovery

This sealed an incredible comeback given the team had been behind 2-0 midway through the latter period. During the delirium, there was some collateral damage. He shared, "There was a fan sort of calling out and we were puzzled: 'What's he on about here?' Then we spotted the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as footballers but we're individuals, too, so to have a laugh with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

The victory booked a next round game at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, a team Galbraith came close against at the same stage of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. The athletic midfielder had an excellent perspective when the underdogs took the lead in stunning style, with the attacker's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the bar and the opposition keeper. Many argued that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have expected they would've credited him for taking the effort on from that range," commented Galbraith, who began the game centrally before switching to right flank after they changed shape. That meant getting to grips with Jack Grealish, with whom he swapped shirts, and the attacker was among the City players who paid tribute to the way the underdogs attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Athletically they are very good but even the fundamentals and simple things, they can just do it over and over again," the midfielder notes. "It feels like they never miss a pass and they understand how to manage and slow down a game. You can feel you're all right and then abruptly they will just deliver a through ball through a line without you even spotting it. You have to be alert at all times of the game. It takes a tough attitude and concentration just to remain competitive."

Welsh Transition

Swansea sought to acquire Galbraith in January and secured his signature to sign him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He established himself as a popular figure across multiple campaigns at Orient and has rapidly done the same in his new home. At his previous team he joined forces once more with Richie Wellens, who four years ago gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at a League One side from United. Then came a loan at lower division Salford City, before he departed Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was perhaps a slightly green going into senior level. I think a lot of players would say under-23s football is completely distinct. Sometimes it feels like the ball is moved without much intensity. There are limited 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, excelling for his national side, who are fighting to qualify for the global tournament next summer via the playoffs and for whom he has been selected in the past five games, including home and away games against the German national team. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's former international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he handles the football and his eye for a game-changing assist.

Early Days

This represents a remarkable path for the kid from the Queens Park estate in the Belfast suburb, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who grew up watching his parent, his father, also a central player, play for a local club.

Manchester United Experience

His only game for United came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the Kazakh capital, where they competed on an artificial pitch and the stadium roof was sealed owing to conditions of -15C. "It was a lengthy journey and it was chilly," he recalls, grinning. "The week before, myself and quite a few of the young lads trained together, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to accompany the senior squad and get a couple of minutes at the end was unbelievable."

Leaving United

What was the challenge was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he transferred from aged 16? "The decision proved fairly simple, because I got to the stage where I knew I couldn't establish myself at first-team level. I'm hugely grateful for the time I spent there but it got to the point where I felt I required a fresh start, move to a lower level and play first-team games. Now I'm slowly climbing the ladder."

New Environment

This occurs during the early part of the afternoon at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has an appointment at late afternoon: a driving theory test, another progress toward getting on the road. Prior to relocating to the local area, the 24-year-old was a frequent passenger in Swansea's so-called fun bus, a team vehicle driven by team personnel, the transport team, which shuttles players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"It's myself the Portuguese player, Ronald, an Ivorian player – a former passenger used to be in it but has started driving. It's enjoyable to interact with the guys but I'm hoping to be the following person out of the minibus and on the road. His teammate is known for his humor; he's constantly causing mischief."

Supporter Connections

When he represented his former club, Galbraith would blend in with followers on the Tube after starting his journey at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim