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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he reminisces about the thrilling dying seconds of his team's stunning fightback win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. The game culminated with Galbraith temporarily wearing a supporter's spectacles amid the pitch-side pile-on.

During the final moments of stoppage time, Galbraith cracked the upright with a powerful strike from 25 yards, and his teammate immediately converted the loose ball before charging toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with supporters mobbing the players.

Stunning Reversal

The result completed an unbelievable turnaround given the Welsh side had trailed 2-0 deep into the final 45 minutes. In the euphoria, there was some minor mishaps. Galbraith explained, "There was a fan shouting out and we were wondering: '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

The victory secured a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith came close against at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with the London side in February. The athletic midfielder had an excellent perspective when Orient took the lead in remarkable manner, with Jamie Donley's volley from about way out going in via the bar and the opposition keeper. It feels criminal that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have hoped they would've awarded it to him for taking the effort on from that far out," says Galbraith, who played in the middle before switching to right defensive wing after Orient changed tactics. That meant competing with Jack Grealish, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the winger was among the Manchester squad who complimented the way the underdogs approached the match.

Guardiola's System

"Physically they are very good but even the simple things and routine actions, they can just execute repeatedly," Galbraith says. "It appears that they always find their target and they know how to manage and neutralize a game. You can think you're all right and then abruptly they will just fizz a pass between defenders without you even spotting it. You have to be alert every second of the game. It demands a strong mentality and focus just to remain competitive."

New Chapter

The club sought to acquire Galbraith in January and secured his signature to bring him in in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He became a favorite as a crowd pleaser across a couple of years at Leyton Orient and has quickly achieved similar status in Wales. At his previous team he linked up again with Richie Wellens, who four years ago gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in senior football on loan at Doncaster from Manchester United. Then came a loan at lower division Salford City, before he departed Manchester United.

Development Path

"I was perhaps a slightly green going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say development squad matches is completely distinct. Sometimes it appears possession is exchanged without much intensity. There are limited hard challenges. Once you start playing professional matches you have to adapt rapidly."

Country Call-ups

He has shown that development for club and country, shining for his national side, who remain in contention for 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 ex- international manager, paid him the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Starting Out

This represents an incredible journey for the kid from the neighborhood in his hometown, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who was raised observing his dad, the elder Galbraith, also a engine room operator, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Old Trafford Memory

Galbraith's sole appearance for Manchester United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a continental tournament trip to Astana, where they competed on an plastic turf and the venue ceiling was sealed owing to the weather of bitter cold. "That proved to be a lengthy journey and it was chilly," he recalls, smiling. "The preceding week, the academy prospects trained together, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was amazing."

Leaving United

What was the challenge was it to depart Manchester United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "This turned out quite easy, because I arrived at the moment where I knew I wasn't going to make it at the senior squad. I'm extremely thankful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I believed I had to take a different path, drop down the leagues and play first-team games. Now I'm gradually progressing again."

New Environment

It is the middle of the day at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has an appointment at the early evening: a driving theory test, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the young professional was a frequent passenger in Swansea's nicknamed player transport, a team vehicle driven by academy staff, Pete and Howard, which transports players to and from training and matches.

"My companions include a teammate, another squad member, Malick Yalcouyé – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's nice to interact with the lads but I'm hoping to be the next one to drive independently and on the road. The Portuguese player likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Fan Interactions

During his time at Orient, Galbraith would travel alongside followers on London's Central line after commuting at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim