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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he recalls the nail-biting closing stages of his team's stunning fightback victory against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The encounter wrapped up with Galbraith picking up a fan's glasses following the pitch-side pile-on.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith struck the post with a long-range shot from outside the box, and the defender quickly converted the deflection before charging toward the crowd to revel in the moment, with fans swarming the players.

Extraordinary Turnaround

The victory sealed an incredible comeback given the Welsh side had found themselves down 2-0 deep into the second half. Amid the euphoria, there was some unintended consequences. He shared, "There was a spectator shouting out and Josh Key and I were puzzled: 'What's he on about here?' Then we spotted the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as players but we're humans, too, so to have a laugh with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

That win earned a fourth-round match at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a club Galbraith came close against at the same stage of the FA Cup with his former club in February. He had an excellent perspective when Orient took the lead in remarkable manner, with Jamie Donley's volley from about long distance going in via the woodwork and the City goalkeeper. It feels criminal that it was credited as an own goal.

"You would have expected they would've given it to him for attempting the shot from that range," says Galbraith, who began the game centrally before switching to right defensive wing after the team changed tactics. That meant competing with the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the player was among the Manchester squad who complimented the way Orient attacked the game.

City's Quality

"Fitness-wise they are outstanding but even the basics and basic skills, they can just do it over and over again," Galbraith says. "It appears that they complete every delivery and they understand how to manage and neutralize a game. You can think you're all right and then suddenly they will just deliver a through ball past your midfield without you even spotting it. You have to be focused every second of the game. It takes a tough attitude and concentration just to remain competitive."

Swansea Move

Swansea pushed to sign Galbraith in January and fought off rivals to bring him in in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He became a favorite as a fans' favourite across two seasons at his former club and has swiftly replicated that in south Wales. At Orient he linked up again with Richie Wellens, who previously gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at Doncaster from Old Trafford. Then came a loan at League Two Salford, before he permanently left Manchester United.

Development Path

"I was perhaps a slightly green going into professional soccer. I think numerous professionals would say development squad matches is entirely separate. Sometimes it appears possession is exchanged without much intensity. There are limited tackles or duels. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adapt rapidly."

International Recognition

He has shown that maturation for his team and nation, performing well for the Green and White Army, who could still reach the global tournament next summer via the knockout phase and for whom he has been selected in the past five games, including two matches fixtures against the German national team. Ian Baraclough, Galbraith's previous international manager, paid him the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he manipulates the ball and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Humble Beginnings

This represents an incredible journey for the player from the local area in Glengormley, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who was raised observing his parent, his father, also a central player, play for a local club.

Red Devils Debut

Galbraith's sole appearance for the Red Devils came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a continental tournament trip to the host city, where they played on an artificial pitch and the venue ceiling was shut owing to conditions of bitter cold. "That proved to be a lengthy journey and it was cold out there," he says, grinning. "The preceding week, several youth players and I trained together, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to join the main group and get a couple of minutes at the end was amazing."

Departing Old Trafford

What was the challenge was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "The decision proved quite easy, because I arrived at the moment where I knew I couldn't establish myself at the senior squad. I'm very appreciative for the years at the club but it reached a stage where I felt I had to take a different path, drop down the leagues and play men's football. Now I'm slowly climbing the ladder."

New Environment

It is the middle of the day at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has an appointment at 5pm: a driving theory test, another step towards getting on the road. Before his recent move to Sketty, the young professional was a constant rider in Swansea's so-called fun bus, a small coach driven by team personnel, Pete and Howard, which transports players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"My companions include the Portuguese player, another squad member, the midfielder – Melker Widell used to be in it but has got his license. It's enjoyable to interact with the teammates but I'm planning to be the following person to stop using the bus and behind the wheel. Franco likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Supporter Connections

When he represented Orient, Galbraith would blend in with supporters on London's Central line after beginning his trip at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim