🔗 Share this article

Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he recalls the thrilling closing stages of Swansea's remarkable turnaround win against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game wrapped up with Galbraith temporarily wearing a spectator's eyewear after the pitch-side pile-on.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a speculative shot from 25 yards, and the defender immediately slammed home the loose ball before racing off toward the crowd to revel in the moment, with fans congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

The result completed an incredible turnaround given the team had found themselves down 2-0 deep into the final 45 minutes. Amid the delirium, there was some minor mishaps. He shared, "There was a spectator shouting out and Josh Key and I were puzzled: '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 footballers but we're humans, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

The victory booked a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with the London side in February. He had an excellent perspective when the underdogs took the lead in stunning style, with Jamie Donley's long-range effort from about 45 yards going in via the crossbar and the Stefan Ortega. Many argued that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have hoped they would've given it to him for attempting the shot from that range," commented Galbraith, who played in the middle before moving to right defensive wing after the team changed tactics. That meant competing with Jack Grealish, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the City players who complimented the way the underdogs attacked the game.

Opponent's Class

"Fitness-wise they are exceptional but even the fundamentals and simple things, they can just perform consistently," Galbraith says. "It feels like they never miss a pass and they know how to manage and take the sting out of a game. You can believe you're all right and then suddenly they will just thread a ball between defenders without you even seeing. You have to be alert every second of the game. It demands a resilient mindset and concentration just to stay in the game."

Swansea Move

Swansea pushed to sign Galbraith in January and beat off competition to bring him in in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He made a name as a crowd pleaser across multiple campaigns at his former club and has quickly achieved similar status in south Wales. At Orient he reunited with his former manager, who four years ago gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in first-team action on loan at his loan club from Manchester United. Then came a spell at League Two the Manchester club, before he departed Old Trafford.

Learning Curve

"I was likely a slightly green going into men's football. I think numerous professionals would say under-23s football is entirely separate. Sometimes it seems possession is exchanged without serious challenge. There's not many physical contests. Once you start playing men's games you have to adapt rapidly."

Country Call-ups

He has shown that growth for both domestically and internationally, excelling for his national side, who are fighting to qualify for the World Cup next summer via the playoffs and for whom he has started the past five games, including two matches games against the German national team. The ex-coach, Galbraith's previous international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he handles the football and his eye for a decisive through ball.

Early Days

This represents a remarkable path for the kid from the Queens Park estate in Glengormley, just outside the capital, who was raised observing his parent, his father, also a midfielder, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Red Devils Debut

Galbraith's single match for United came in the away trip in 2019, a European competition trip to the Kazakh capital, where they played on an plastic turf and the venue ceiling was closed owing to the weather of freezing cold. "It was a extended travel and it was chilly," he recalls, chuckling. "The week before, myself and quite a few of the young lads worked out jointly, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to accompany the senior squad and earn some playing time at the end was unbelievable."

Departing Old Trafford

How hard was it to leave United, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "It was quite easy, because I reached the point where I understood I couldn't establish myself at the top level. I'm very appreciative for the years at the club 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."

New Environment

It is mid-afternoon at the club's training ground but Galbraith has somewhere to be at 5pm: a road rules assessment, another step towards getting on the road. Before his recent move to Sketty, the young professional was a regular in Swansea's nicknamed fun bus, a small coach driven by club employees, the drivers, which shuttles players to and from practice and games.

"I travel with the Portuguese player, Ronald, the midfielder – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has got his license. It's enjoyable to spend time with the teammates but I'm planning 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."

Fan Interactions

During his time at his former club, Galbraith would blend in with supporters on London's Central line after commuting at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim