'It's like they never miss a pass': Swansea's Galbraith continues battle with Manchester City.

Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he remembers the dramatic final moments of Swansea's remarkable turnaround victory against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. The game ended with Galbraith picking up a supporter's spectacles after the post-goal scrum.

With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith struck the post with a speculative strike from distance, and Cameron Burgess quickly hammered in the rebound before racing off toward the home end to celebrate, with the crowd congregating around the players.

Extraordinary Turnaround

The result completed an unbelievable comeback given the Welsh side had trailed 2-0 during the final 45 minutes. During the euphoria, there was some minor mishaps. Galbraith explained, "There was a supporter trying to get our attention and we 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 people, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

The result secured a next round fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a team Galbraith ran close at the comparable phase of the FA Cup with Leyton Orient in February. He had arguably the best view when the underdogs took the lead in remarkable manner, with a teammate's first-time shot from about long distance going in via the bar and the opposition keeper. Many argued that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've credited him for having a go from that distance," says Galbraith, who began the game centrally before moving to right flank after they changed shape. That meant facing off against the England international, with whom he traded tops, and the attacker was among the opposition who paid tribute to the way the underdogs approached the match.

Guardiola's System

"Fitness-wise they are exceptional but even the simple things and basic skills, they can just do it over and over again," he explains. "It feels like they complete every delivery and they understand how to dictate and take the sting out of a game. You can think you're doing well and then without warning they will just deliver a through ball between defenders without you even spotting it. You have to be switched on throughout of the game. It takes a strong mentality and concentration just to remain competitive."

Swansea Move

The club pushed to sign Galbraith in January and beat off competition to secure him in the summer in a seven-figure transfer. He established himself as a crowd pleaser across multiple campaigns at Leyton Orient and has quickly achieved similar status in Wales. At the London club he reunited with his former manager, who four years ago gave Galbraith his initial sustained opportunity in professional games on loan at his loan club from Old Trafford. Then came a loan at fourth-tier Salford City, before he permanently left Manchester United.

Growth Journey

"I was likely a slightly green going into senior level. I think many athletes would say youth team games is completely distinct. Sometimes it appears play is circulated without real physicality. There's not many tackles or duels. Once you start playing men's games you have to learn quickly."

National Team Success

He has shown that maturation for both domestically and internationally, performing well for the Green and White Army, who could still reach the international competition next summer via the playoffs and for whom he has started the past five games, including two matches encounters against a football powerhouse. His former international manager, Galbraith's ex- international manager, gave 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.

Humble Beginnings

This represents an incredible journey for the kid from the Queens Park estate in Glengormley, just outside the capital, who grew up watching his dad, Stuart, also a central player, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Old Trafford Memory

The player's sole appearance for United came in Central Asia in 2019, a European competition trip to Astana, where they played on an synthetic surface and the stadium roof was shut owing to temperatures of -15C. "It was a long trip and it was chilly," he comments, chuckling. "The days leading up, the academy prospects trained together, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was unbelievable."

Departing Old Trafford

What was the challenge was it to leave United, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "It was fairly simple, because I got to the stage where I realized I wouldn't break through at first-team level. I'm very appreciative for the experience gained but it reached a stage where I believed I needed to go my own route, drop down the leagues and play men's football. Now I'm gradually working my way back up."

New Environment

This occurs during mid-afternoon at Swansea's Fairwood training base but Galbraith has a commitment at 5pm: a learner's exam, another move in the direction of getting on the road. Before his recent move to the local area, the 24-year-old was a frequent passenger in Swansea's dubbed team minibus, a team vehicle driven by team personnel, Pete and Howard, which transports players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"I travel with Gonçalo Franco, the Brazilian, the midfielder – Melker Widell 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 following person to drive independently and on the road. The Portuguese player likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Supporter Connections

While playing for his former club, Galbraith would mix with followers on London's Central line after beginning his trip at his base. "I tried|I attempted|My aim