🔗 Share this article

Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he recalls the thrilling closing stages of his team's remarkable turnaround victory against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game ended with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles following the post-goal scrum.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort from outside the box, and the defender promptly slammed home the deflection before charging toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with supporters mobbing the players.

Remarkable Recovery

The victory capped an incredible comeback given the team had trailed 2-0 midway through the final 45 minutes. In the celebrations, there was some unintended consequences. The midfielder recalled, "There was a fan sort of calling out and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as athletes but we're individuals, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

The victory booked a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a team Galbraith came close against at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when the underdogs took the lead in spectacular fashion, with a teammate's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the crossbar and the Stefan Ortega. It feels criminal that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've given it to him for having a go from that range," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before shifting to right wing-back after the team changed formation. That meant getting to grips with Jack Grealish, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the City players who complimented the way Orient played positively.

City's Quality

"Athletically they are outstanding but even the simple things and simple things, they can just execute repeatedly," he explains. "It seems as if they complete every delivery and they are adept at control and take the sting out of a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even spotting it. You have to be focused throughout of the game. It requires a tough attitude and concentration just to keep pace."

Welsh Transition

The Welsh side pushed to sign Galbraith in January and secured his signature to secure him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He became a favorite as a crowd pleaser across two seasons at Orient and has quickly done the same in Wales. At the London club he reunited with Richie Wellens, who previously gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in first-team action on loan at a League One side from United. Then came a loan at fourth-tier Salford City, before he moved on from Manchester United.

Growth Journey

"I was perhaps a bit naive going into senior level. I think numerous professionals would say development squad matches is completely distinct. Sometimes it seems possession is exchanged without real physicality. There's not many hard challenges. Once you start playing men's games you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

He has shown that development for his team and nation, performing well for the Green and White Army, who remain in contention for the World Cup next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has been selected in the recent fixtures, including home and away fixtures against a football powerhouse. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's previous international manager, gave him the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a decisive through ball.

Starting Out

It has been quite the ride for the youngster from the Queens Park estate in Glengormley, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who grew up watching his dad, his father, also a midfielder, play for his father's team.

Manchester United Experience

His only game for Manchester United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a European competition trip to Astana, where they featured on an synthetic surface and the arena covering was shut owing to conditions of freezing cold. "It was a long trip and it was cold out there," he recalls, grinning. "The days leading up, several youth players and I worked out jointly, so that aided our adjustment. Just to travel with the first team and make an appearance at the end was amazing."

Moving On

What was the challenge was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he joined from Linfield aged a teenager? "This turned out quite easy, because I reached the point where I understood I couldn't establish myself at first-team level. I'm very appreciative for the time I spent there but it reached a stage where I believed I required a fresh start, join a smaller club and play men's football. Now I'm gradually climbing the ladder."

New Environment

It is the middle of the day at the club's training ground but Galbraith has an appointment at late afternoon: a learner's exam, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Until recently to his new neighborhood, the young professional was a regular in Swansea's so-called team minibus, a small coach driven by club employees, Pete and Howard, which ferries players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"My companions include a teammate, another squad member, Malick Yalcouyé – Melker Widell used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's enjoyable to spend time with the teammates but I'm aiming to be the next one out of the minibus and behind the wheel. Franco likes to pull a few pranks; he's constantly causing mischief."

Public Engagement

During his time at Orient, Galbraith would travel alongside supporters on London's Central line after starting his journey at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim