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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he recalls the nail-biting dying seconds of Swansea's remarkable turnaround victory against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. That match wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles following the on-field celebration.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess promptly hammered in the loose ball before sprinting toward the crowd to celebrate, with the crowd swarming the players.

Remarkable Recovery

The victory capped an unbelievable comeback given the Welsh side had found themselves down 2-0 midway through the final 45 minutes. During the euphoria, there was some unintended consequences. Galbraith explained, "There was a fan trying to get our attention and we were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed the glasses. It was a bit of banter putting them on. We are on the pitch as players but we're individuals, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

That win secured a fourth-round fixture at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith ran close at the same stage of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. The athletic midfielder had arguably the best view when Orient took the lead in remarkable manner, with a teammate's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the woodwork and the opposition keeper. It seems unfair that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've credited him for having a go from that distance," says Galbraith, who started in midfield before switching to right wing-back after they changed shape. That meant facing off against Jack Grealish, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the player was among the Manchester squad who praised the way his former team played positively.

City's Quality

"Athletically they are very good but even the basics and simple things, they can just execute repeatedly," he explains. "It feels like they always find their target and they are adept at manage and slow down a game. You can think you're doing well and then abruptly they will just thread a ball between defenders without you even seeing. You have to be focused every second of the game. It takes a resilient mindset and concentration just to keep pace."

Swansea Move

The club were keen on Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to sign him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He became a favorite as a popular figure across a couple of years at Leyton Orient and has quickly done the same in Wales. At his previous team he joined forces once more with the coach, who earlier gave Galbraith his first extended run in first-team action on loan at a League One side from Old Trafford. Then came a loan at League Two Salford, before he departed Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was probably a somewhat inexperienced going into men's football. I think many athletes would say under-23s football is very different. Sometimes it feels like possession is exchanged without real physicality. You see few tackles or duels. Once you start playing men's games you have to learn quickly."

Country Call-ups

He has demonstrated that development for club and country, performing well for his national side, who could still reach the World Cup next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has been selected in the last several matches, including home and away games against the German national team. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's former international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he manipulates the ball and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Starting Out

This marks quite the ride for the youngster from the Queens Park estate in the Belfast suburb, just outside the capital, who used to see his dad, Stuart, also a midfielder, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Red Devils Debut

The player's only game for the Red Devils came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a continental tournament trip to Astana, where they competed on an artificial pitch and the arena covering was shut owing to temperatures of bitter cold. "That proved to be a long trip and it was freezing," he says, chuckling. "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."

Departing Old Trafford

What was the challenge was it to leave United, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "The decision proved relatively straightforward, because I reached the point where I understood I wouldn't break through at first-team level. I'm very appreciative for the experience gained but it got to the point where I believed I required a fresh start, move to a lower level and play first-team games. 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 the early evening: a driving theory test, another progress toward getting on the road. Prior to relocating to his new neighborhood, the 24-year-old was a frequent passenger in Swansea's so-called player transport, a team vehicle driven by team personnel, the transport team, which shuttles players to and from practice and games.

"I travel with the Portuguese player, another squad member, the midfielder – a former passenger used to be in it but has got his license. It's pleasant to spend time with the guys but I'm aiming to be the next one to stop using the bus and on the road. His teammate is known for his humor; he's always up to all sorts."

Supporter Connections

During his time at his former club, Galbraith would travel alongside followers on London's Central line after beginning his trip at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim