🔗 Share this article

Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he remembers the dramatic final moments of Swansea's stunning fightback triumph against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The encounter culminated with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles following the post-goal scrum.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith struck the post with a speculative shot from outside the box, and his teammate immediately slammed home the rebound before sprinting toward the East Stand to celebrate, with supporters mobbing the players.

Stunning Reversal

The result completed an extraordinary comeback given the Welsh side had found themselves down 2-0 midway through the final 45 minutes. Amid the delirium, there was some collateral damage. The midfielder recalled, "There was a supporter trying to get our attention and we were thinking: '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 footballers but we're individuals, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

That win booked a upcoming game at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. He had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in stunning style, with the attacker's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the woodwork and the Stefan Ortega. It feels criminal that it was credited as an own goal.

"You would have hoped they would've awarded it to him for having a go from that distance," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before moving to right flank after Orient changed tactics. That meant facing off against the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the winger was among the opposition who complimented the way Orient played positively.

Opponent's Class

"Athletically they are outstanding but even the basics and simple things, they can just perform consistently," the midfielder notes. "It appears that they complete every delivery and they know how to manage and neutralize a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just thread a ball through a line without you even noticing. You have to be focused throughout of the game. It demands a tough attitude and attention just to keep pace."

Swansea Move

The Welsh side sought to acquire Galbraith in January and beat off competition to secure him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at Leyton Orient and has rapidly replicated that in Wales. At Orient he reunited with Richie Wellens, who four years ago gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in professional games on loan at Doncaster from Old Trafford. Then came a loan at lower division the Manchester club, before he moved on from Old Trafford.

Development Path

"I was probably a slightly green going into men's football. I think numerous professionals would say under-23s football is completely distinct. Sometimes it feels like play is circulated without much intensity. There's not many hard challenges. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adapt rapidly."

International Recognition

His progress reflects that development for club and country, excelling for his national side, who could still reach the international competition next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has featured in the last several matches, including both legs games against the German national team. The ex-coach, Galbraith's ex- international manager, gave him the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Early Days

This represents a remarkable path for the kid from the Queens Park estate in his hometown, just outside the capital, who was raised observing his father, Stuart, also a central player, play for his father's team.

Red Devils Debut

The player's sole appearance for Manchester United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a European competition trip to the host city, where they featured on an synthetic surface and the stadium roof was closed owing to conditions of -15C. "That proved to be a lengthy journey and it was freezing," he says, smiling. "The days leading up, the academy prospects trained together, so that assisted our preparation. Just to accompany the senior squad and earn some playing time at the end was unbelievable."

Leaving United

How hard was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "This turned out quite easy, because I reached the point where I knew I couldn't establish myself at first-team level. I'm extremely thankful for the years at the club but it reached a stage where I felt I needed to go my own route, move to a lower level and play men's football. Now I'm gradually working my way back up."

Welsh Adaptation

It is the early part of the afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has an appointment at late afternoon: a road rules assessment, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Until recently to Sketty, the 24-year-old was a constant rider in Swansea's so-called fun bus, a small coach driven by club employees, the drivers, which transports players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"My companions include Gonçalo Franco, the Brazilian, an Ivorian player – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has got his license. It's pleasant to spend time with the lads but I'm hoping to be the subsequent individual to drive independently and behind the wheel. Franco is known for his humor; he's frequently playing tricks."

Public Engagement

When he represented Leyton Orient, Galbraith would mix with supporters on public transport after beginning his trip at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim