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Ethan Galbraith breaks into a smile as he remembers the thrilling closing stages of Swansea's epic comeback triumph against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. That match culminated with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles amid the on-field celebration.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith struck the post with a powerful shot from distance, and his teammate immediately hammered in the deflection before racing off toward the East Stand to revel in the moment, with fans swarming the players.

Stunning Reversal

The victory capped an unbelievable turnaround given Swansea had been behind 2-0 deep into the second half. During the celebrations, there was some minor mishaps. The midfielder recalled, "There was a supporter trying to get our attention and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were thinking: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed 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 victory booked a fourth-round game at home against the Premier League champions on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith pushed hard at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. Galbraith had a prime vantage point when the underdogs took the lead in stunning style, with a teammate's long-range effort from about 45 yards going in via the bar and the City goalkeeper. Many argued 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 moving to right flank after the team changed formation. That meant facing off against the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the winger was among the opposition who praised the way the underdogs approached the match.

Opponent's Class

"Athletically they are exceptional but even the fundamentals and simple things, they can just do it over and over again," Galbraith says. "It seems as if they complete every delivery and they are adept at manage and take the sting out of a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then abruptly they will just thread a ball through a line without you even noticing. You have to be alert at all times of the game. It demands a resilient mindset and attention just to remain competitive."

New Chapter

Swansea were keen on Galbraith in January and beat off competition to sign him in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He made a name as a crowd pleaser across two seasons at Leyton Orient and has swiftly achieved similar status in Wales. At his previous team he reunited with the coach, who four years ago gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at a League One side from Old Trafford. Then came a temporary move at lower division the Manchester club, before he moved on from his boyhood club.

Learning Curve

"I was likely a somewhat inexperienced going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say development squad matches is entirely separate. Sometimes it seems possession is exchanged without much intensity. You see few physical contests. Once you start playing men's games you have to learn quickly."

National Team Success

He has demonstrated that development for his team and nation, performing well for Northern Ireland, who could still reach the international competition next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has featured in the last several matches, including two matches fixtures against Germany. The ex-coach, Galbraith's former international manager, offered the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he handles the football and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.

Humble Beginnings

It has been quite the ride for the kid from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside the capital, who used to see his father, the elder Galbraith, also a engine room operator, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Red Devils Debut

The player's single match for Manchester United came in the away trip in 2019, a Europa League trip to Astana, where they featured on an plastic turf and the arena covering was closed owing to conditions of -15C. "That proved to be a lengthy journey and it was chilly," he comments, smiling. "The days leading up, several youth players and I trained together, so that aided our adjustment. Just to travel with the first team and get a couple of minutes at the end was unbelievable."

Moving On

What was the challenge was it to leave United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "This turned out relatively straightforward, because I reached the point where I realized I wouldn't break through at first-team level. I'm extremely thankful for the time I spent there but it became apparent where I believed I required a fresh start, drop down the leagues and play men's football. Now I'm gradually climbing the ladder."

New Environment

It is the early part of the afternoon at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has an appointment at the early evening: a driving theory test, another progress toward getting on the road. Before his recent move to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a constant rider in Swansea's nicknamed team minibus, a team vehicle driven by academy staff, Pete and Howard, which shuttles players to and from practice and games.

"My companions include a teammate, another squad member, an Ivorian player – the Swedish defender used to be in it but has got his license. It's pleasant to socialize with the lads but I'm hoping to be the next one to stop using the bus and behind the wheel. Franco enjoys practical jokes; he's constantly causing mischief."

Public Engagement

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