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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he reminisces about the dramatic final moments of his team's remarkable turnaround win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The game wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a fan's glasses following the on-field celebration.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith struck the post with a speculative effort from distance, and his teammate promptly converted the loose ball before charging toward the home end to mark the goal, with the crowd congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

This sealed an extraordinary turnaround given the team had found themselves down 2-0 deep into the second half. Amid the celebrations, there was some unintended consequences. Galbraith explained, "There was a supporter sort of calling out and Josh Key and I were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we spotted the glasses. It was a bit of banter putting them on. We are on the pitch as athletes but we're individuals, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

The result secured a upcoming fixture at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, a club Galbraith came close against at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with his former club in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when the underdogs took the lead in stunning style, with Jamie Donley's volley from about long distance going in via the woodwork and the opposition keeper. Many argued that it was credited as an own goal.

"You would have expected they would've awarded it to him for having a go from that distance," stated Galbraith, who began the game centrally before switching to right wing-back after Orient changed shape. That meant competing with City's winger, with whom he traded tops, and the player was among the Manchester squad who paid tribute to the way his former team attacked the game.

Opponent's Class

"Physically they are outstanding but even the fundamentals and simple things, they can just execute repeatedly," the midfielder notes. "It appears that they always find their target and they are adept at manage and slow down a game. You can feel you're doing well and then suddenly they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even seeing. You have to be focused at all times of the game. It demands a tough attitude and concentration just to keep pace."

New Chapter

The Welsh side were keen on Galbraith in January and secured his signature to sign him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He established himself as a crowd pleaser across two seasons at Leyton Orient and has swiftly done the same in south Wales. At the London club he linked up again with Richie Wellens, who earlier gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in first-team action on loan at a League One side from Manchester United. Then came a temporary move at League Two the Manchester club, before he departed Manchester United.

Growth Journey

"I was probably a slightly green going into men's football. I think many athletes would say youth team games is very different. Sometimes it appears possession is exchanged without real physicality. There's not many tackles or duels. Once you start playing professional matches you have to adjust fast."

Country Call-ups

He has demonstrated that maturation for club and country, excelling for his national side, who could still reach the World Cup next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has started the recent fixtures, including home and away fixtures against the German national team. His former international manager, Galbraith's ex- international manager, offered the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he handles the football and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Early Days

It has been a remarkable path for the kid from the neighborhood in his hometown, just outside the capital, who grew up watching his dad, the elder Galbraith, also a midfielder, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Old Trafford Memory

The player's single match for Manchester United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a Europa League trip to the host city, where they played on an plastic turf and the stadium roof was sealed owing to conditions of bitter cold. "It was a lengthy journey and it was cold out there," he says, smiling. "The preceding week, myself and quite a few of the young lads worked out jointly, so that aided our adjustment. Just to accompany the senior squad and get a couple of minutes at the end was incredible."

Leaving United

How difficult 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 understood I couldn't establish myself at the senior squad. I'm extremely thankful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I thought I needed to go my own route, drop down the leagues and play first-team games. Now I'm steadily progressing again."

Welsh Adaptation

This occurs during mid-afternoon at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a driving theory test, another step towards getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a constant rider in Swansea's nicknamed fun bus, a small coach driven by club employees, the drivers, which transports players to and from practice and games.

"I travel with the Portuguese player, Ronald, an Ivorian player – Melker Widell used to be in it but has got his license. It's nice to interact with the lads but I'm hoping to be the following person to drive independently and on the road. His teammate likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Fan Interactions

While playing for Orient, Galbraith would travel alongside supporters on public transport after beginning his trip at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim