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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he recalls the nail-biting dying seconds of Swansea's epic comeback victory against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. That match culminated with Galbraith temporarily wearing a supporter's spectacles after the post-goal scrum.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a speculative effort from outside the box, and his teammate promptly converted the loose ball before charging toward the crowd to mark the goal, with the crowd mobbing the players.

Remarkable Recovery

This capped an unbelievable turnaround given Swansea had found themselves down 2-0 during the second half. During the delirium, there was some unintended consequences. He shared, "There was a fan trying to get our attention and Josh Key and I were puzzled: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw 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 bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

The victory secured a next round match at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith came close against at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in stunning style, with a teammate's volley from about way out going in via the crossbar and the opposition keeper. It feels criminal that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've given it to him for taking the effort on from that range," stated Galbraith, who played in the middle before switching to right wing-back after they changed shape. That meant getting to grips with the England international, with whom he swapped shirts, and the attacker was among the City players who complimented the way his former team attacked the game.

City's Quality

"Athletically they are outstanding but even the basics and basic skills, 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 think you're all right and then suddenly they will just fizz a pass past your midfield without you even spotting it. You have to be switched on at all times of the game. It demands a strong mentality and concentration just to keep pace."

Welsh Transition

Swansea were keen on Galbraith in January and secured his signature to secure him in the summer in a significant move. He became a favorite as a popular figure across a couple of years at Leyton Orient and has rapidly achieved similar status in his new home. At the London club he reunited with his former manager, who earlier gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in professional games on loan at Doncaster from Manchester United. Then came a spell at League Two Salford City, before he permanently left Manchester United.

Learning Curve

"I was probably a bit naive going into men's football. I think numerous professionals would say youth team games is completely distinct. Sometimes it appears play is circulated without real physicality. You see few physical contests. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

He has shown that maturation for club and country, shining for the Green and White Army, who are fighting to qualify for the international competition next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has been selected in the past five games, including both legs games against the German national team. The ex-coach, Galbraith's previous international manager, paid him the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he handles the football and his eye for a killer pass.

Starting Out

This represents quite the ride for the kid from the neighborhood in his hometown, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who used to see his parent, Stuart, also a midfielder, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Manchester United Experience

His single match for the Red Devils came in Central Asia in 2019, a continental tournament trip to Astana, where they played on an synthetic surface and the stadium roof was closed owing to the weather of -15C. "This represented a long trip and it was chilly," he says, smiling. "The days leading up, the academy prospects worked out jointly, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to join the main group and get a couple of minutes at the end was incredible."

Leaving United

How difficult was it to leave United, the club he joined from Linfield aged 16? "It was fairly simple, because I reached the point where I realized I couldn't establish myself at the senior squad. I'm very appreciative for the years at the club but it became apparent where I felt I needed to go my own route, move to a lower level and play men's football. Now I'm slowly working my way back up."

Welsh Adaptation

It is mid-afternoon at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has an appointment at 5pm: a driving theory test, another step towards getting on the road. Until recently to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a frequent passenger in Swansea's nicknamed team minibus, a minibus driven by team personnel, the drivers, which ferries players to and from training and matches.

"I travel with a teammate, another squad member, the midfielder – a former passenger used to be in it but has started driving. It's nice to spend time with the guys but I'm planning to be the next one to stop using the bus and driving. The Portuguese player is known for his humor; he's constantly causing mischief."

Fan Interactions

While playing for his former club, Galbraith would mix with supporters on the Tube after commuting at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim