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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he remembers the dramatic dying seconds of Swansea's remarkable turnaround triumph against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. That match ended with Galbraith temporarily wearing a spectator's eyewear after the post-goal scrum.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a long-range shot from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess immediately hammered in the loose ball before racing off toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with the crowd mobbing the players.

Stunning Reversal

This capped an incredible recovery given Swansea had trailed 2-0 deep into the latter period. Amid the delirium, there was some unintended consequences. He shared, "There was a fan sort of calling out and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were puzzled: '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 athletes but we're people, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Manchester City Challenge

The victory secured a next round match at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith ran close at the same stage of the FA Cup with his former club in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when Orient took the lead in stunning style, with a teammate's volley from about way out going in via the crossbar and the City goalkeeper. Many argued that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've awarded it to him for attempting the shot from that far out," says Galbraith, who played in the middle before shifting to right defensive wing after the team changed formation. That meant getting to grips with the England international, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the City players who complimented the way Orient attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Physically they are exceptional but even the simple things and simple things, they can just perform consistently," Galbraith says. "It appears that they never miss a pass and they understand how to dictate and neutralize a game. You can think you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just thread a ball past your midfield without you even spotting it. You have to be alert at all times of the game. It requires a strong mentality and attention just to stay in the game."

Welsh Transition

The Welsh side were keen on Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to bring him in in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He established himself as a fans' favourite across two seasons at Leyton Orient and has quickly achieved similar status in south Wales. At his previous team he reunited with his former manager, who earlier gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in first-team action on loan at his loan club from Manchester United. Then came a temporary move at League Two the Manchester club, before he permanently left Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was likely a slightly green going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say under-23s football is entirely separate. Sometimes it feels like the ball is moved without much intensity. There's not many tackles or duels. Once you start playing men's games you have to adjust fast."

International Recognition

He has demonstrated that growth for both domestically and internationally, shining for his national side, who remain in contention for the global tournament next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has featured in the last several matches, including two matches games against a football powerhouse. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's previous international manager, gave him the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he handles the football and his eye for a decisive through ball.

Starting Out

This marks quite the ride for the kid from the local area in Glengormley, just outside the capital, who grew up watching his dad, Stuart, also a central player, play for his father's team.

Old Trafford Memory

Galbraith's only game for United came in Central Asia in 2019, a European competition trip to the host city, where they competed on an plastic turf and the venue ceiling was sealed owing to temperatures of freezing cold. "That proved to be a lengthy journey and it was freezing," he says, smiling. "The week before, myself and quite a few of the young lads trained together, so that aided our adjustment. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was unbelievable."

Departing Old Trafford

How difficult was it to depart Manchester United, the club he joined from Linfield aged his mid-teens? "It was fairly simple, because I arrived at the moment where I realized I wouldn't break through at the senior squad. I'm hugely grateful for the experience gained but it became apparent where I believed I needed to go my own route, drop down the leagues and play men's football. Now I'm steadily working my way back up."

Welsh Adaptation

It is mid-afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has a commitment at late afternoon: a road rules assessment, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to the local area, the young professional was a constant rider in Swansea's nicknamed fun bus, a team vehicle driven by team personnel, the drivers, which ferries players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"I travel with a teammate, the Brazilian, an Ivorian player – a former passenger used to be in it but has started driving. It's nice to interact with the guys but I'm hoping to be the following person to stop using the bus and behind the wheel. His teammate is known for his humor; he's constantly causing mischief."

Public Engagement

During his time at his former club, Galbraith would blend in with supporters on public transport after commuting at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim