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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he remembers the thrilling dying seconds of Swansea's epic comeback victory against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game culminated with Galbraith briefly donning a fan's glasses following the on-field celebration.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a powerful effort from distance, and his teammate quickly converted the deflection before racing off toward the crowd to revel in the moment, with fans swarming the players.

Stunning Reversal

The result sealed an extraordinary comeback given the Welsh side had found themselves down 2-0 midway through the latter period. During the euphoria, there was some unintended consequences. Galbraith explained, "There was a fan sort of calling out and Josh Key and I were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment 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."

Manchester City Challenge

The result secured a next round fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a club Galbraith came close against at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with the London side in February. The athletic midfielder had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in remarkable manner, with the attacker's first-time shot from about 45 yards going in via the woodwork and the opposition keeper. It feels criminal that it was recorded as 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 played in the middle before shifting to right wing-back after the team changed shape. That meant competing with City's winger, with whom he traded tops, and the attacker was among the opposition who praised the way his former team played positively.

Guardiola's System

"Physically they are very good but even the fundamentals and basic skills, they can just execute repeatedly," the midfielder notes. "It feels like they never miss a pass and they understand how to dictate and take the sting out of a game. You can feel you're all right and then suddenly they will just deliver a through ball between defenders without you even spotting it. You have to be switched on at all times of the game. It demands a strong mentality and focus just to remain competitive."

New Chapter

The Welsh side pushed to sign Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to secure him in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at his former club and has swiftly achieved similar status in south Wales. At his previous team he reunited with his former manager, who four years ago gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at his loan club from United. Then came a temporary move at lower division Salford City, before he moved on from Manchester United.

Growth Journey

"I was likely a slightly green going into men's football. I think numerous professionals would say youth team games is completely distinct. Sometimes it appears possession is exchanged without much intensity. There are limited hard challenges. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."

National Team Success

His progress reflects that maturation for club and country, excelling for the Green and White Army, who remain in contention for the global tournament next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has featured in the recent fixtures, including both legs games against a football powerhouse. The ex-coach, Galbraith's previous international manager, paid him the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a decisive through ball.

Humble Beginnings

It has been an incredible journey for the youngster from the Queens Park estate in his hometown, just outside the capital, who used to see his father, Stuart, also a midfielder, play for a local club.

Red Devils Debut

Galbraith's single match for the Red Devils came in the away trip in 2019, a Europa League trip to Astana, where they played on an synthetic surface and the arena covering was shut owing to temperatures of freezing cold. "That proved to be a extended travel and it was freezing," he comments, grinning. "The preceding week, myself and quite a few of the young lads practiced as a group, so that aided our adjustment. Just to accompany the senior squad and earn some playing time at the end was amazing."

Moving On

How difficult was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "The decision proved relatively straightforward, because I arrived at the moment where I understood I wouldn't break through at the top level. I'm extremely thankful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I believed I required a fresh start, join a smaller club and play first-team games. Now I'm steadily climbing the ladder."

Welsh Adaptation

It is mid-afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has an appointment at the early evening: a road rules assessment, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a constant rider in Swansea's so-called fun bus, a team vehicle driven by club employees, the transport team, which transports players to and from practice and games.

"I travel with Gonçalo Franco, another squad member, the midfielder – Melker Widell used to be in it but has got his license. It's enjoyable to interact with the lads but I'm planning to be the following person to drive independently and driving. His teammate enjoys practical jokes; he's frequently playing tricks."

Fan Interactions

During his time at his former club, Galbraith would mix with fans on the Tube after beginning his trip at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim