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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he remembers the nail-biting closing stages of Swansea's stunning fightback triumph against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. That match culminated with Galbraith temporarily wearing a supporter's spectacles after the on-field celebration.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort from distance, and the defender promptly slammed home the rebound before racing off toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with the crowd congregating around the players.

Extraordinary Turnaround

This capped an unbelievable turnaround given the Welsh side had trailed 2-0 deep into the final 45 minutes. Amid the euphoria, there was some unintended consequences. The midfielder recalled, "There was a fan sort of calling out and we were thinking: '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 players but we're people, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

The victory secured a fourth-round game at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with the London side in February. Galbraith had arguably the best view when Orient took the lead in spectacular fashion, with a teammate's volley 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 wished they would've given it to him for attempting the shot from that range," says Galbraith, who started in midfield before switching to right defensive wing after Orient changed formation. That meant getting to grips with the England international, with whom he swapped shirts, and the attacker was among the Manchester squad who complimented the way Orient approached the match.

Guardiola's System

"Athletically they are very good but even the simple things and simple things, they can just execute repeatedly," he explains. "It appears that they complete every delivery and they are adept at dictate and slow down a game. You can believe you're doing well and then without warning they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even noticing. You have to be switched on at all times of the game. It demands a resilient mindset and attention just to keep pace."

Welsh Transition

Swansea pushed to sign Galbraith in January and beat off competition to secure him in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at Orient and has swiftly done the same in Wales. At his previous team he reunited with his former manager, who previously gave Galbraith his first extended run in senior football on loan at Doncaster from United. Then came a spell at lower division Salford City, before he permanently left his boyhood club.

Development Path

"I was probably a slightly green going into professional soccer. I think many athletes would say under-23s football is completely distinct. Sometimes it feels like play is circulated without real physicality. There's not many hard challenges. Once you start playing professional matches you have to learn quickly."

International Recognition

He has shown that growth for both domestically and internationally, performing well for Northern Ireland, who could still reach the global tournament next summer via the playoffs and for whom he has been selected in the last several matches, including both legs encounters against the German national team. The ex-coach, Galbraith's ex- international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession and his eye for a game-changing assist.

Humble Beginnings

This marks quite the ride for the youngster from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who used to see his dad, the elder Galbraith, also a midfielder, play for a local club.

Old Trafford Memory

Galbraith's single match for the Red Devils came in the away trip in 2019, a European competition trip to Astana, where they featured on an artificial pitch and the venue ceiling was shut owing to temperatures of freezing cold. "It was a extended travel and it was chilly," he comments, grinning. "The days leading up, the academy prospects practiced as a group, so that assisted our preparation. Just to travel with the first team and earn some playing time at the end was incredible."

Departing Old Trafford

How difficult was it to depart Manchester United, the club he signed from his boyhood team aged his mid-teens? "This turned out quite easy, because I got to the stage where I knew I wasn't going to make it at the top level. I'm very appreciative for the time I spent there but it got to the point where I thought I required a fresh start, drop down the leagues and play men's football. Now I'm gradually working my way back up."

New Environment

This occurs during mid-afternoon at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a driving theory test, another progress toward getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the young professional was a constant rider in Swansea's dubbed player transport, a small coach driven by academy staff, the transport team, which ferries players to and from practice and games.

"I travel with Gonçalo Franco, another squad member, Malick Yalcouyé – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's enjoyable to spend time with the lads but I'm aiming to be the following person out of the minibus and behind the wheel. His teammate enjoys practical jokes; he's constantly causing mischief."

Supporter Connections

When he represented Leyton Orient, Galbraith would mix with fans on the Tube after starting his journey at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim