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Ethan Galbraith grins broadly as he recalls the thrilling final moments of his team's remarkable turnaround win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. That match culminated with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles following the post-goal scrum.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith struck the post with a speculative effort from distance, and Cameron Burgess promptly converted the loose ball before sprinting toward the East Stand to mark the goal, with fans congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

This capped an incredible turnaround given the Welsh side had been behind 2-0 midway through the second half. Amid the delirium, there was some collateral damage. He shared, "There was a supporter sort of calling out and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were puzzled: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a light-hearted moment putting them on. We are on the pitch as footballers but we're individuals, too, so to have a bit of craic with the fans is always good."

Pep Guardiola Test

That win secured a upcoming fixture at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a team Galbraith ran close at the same stage of the FA Cup with his former club in February. The athletic midfielder had a prime vantage point when his former team took the lead in spectacular fashion, with the attacker's volley from about way out going in via the woodwork and the City goalkeeper. It seems unfair that it was deemed an own goal.

"You would have expected they would've credited him for having a go from that range," commented Galbraith, who started in midfield before shifting to right defensive wing after the team changed tactics. That meant facing off against City's winger, with whom he traded tops, and the player was among the City players who complimented the way Orient attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Fitness-wise they are outstanding but even the simple things and routine actions, they can just execute repeatedly," he explains. "It feels like they never miss a pass and they know how to dictate and slow down a game. You can feel you're holding your own and then suddenly they will just fizz a pass past your midfield without you even noticing. You have to be switched on throughout of the game. It takes a tough attitude and focus just to stay in the game."

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 established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at his former club and has swiftly done the same in his new home. At Orient he reunited with Richie Wellens, who previously gave Galbraith his first extended run in professional games on loan at Doncaster from Manchester United. Then came a loan at League Two the Manchester club, before he moved on from Manchester United.

Growth Journey

"I was likely a bit naive going into men's football. I think many athletes would say under-23s football is very different. Sometimes it appears possession is exchanged without real physicality. There's not many hard challenges. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adapt rapidly."

International Recognition

He has demonstrated that growth for both domestically and internationally, shining for his national side, who could still reach the World Cup next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has featured in the past five games, including home and away fixtures against a football powerhouse. The ex-coach, Galbraith's previous international manager, gave him the supreme accolade, saying he was Northern Ireland's "creative maestro" given how he handles the football and his eye for a killer pass.

Early Days

This marks quite the ride for the youngster from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside Belfast, who was raised observing his dad, the elder Galbraith, also a engine room operator, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Manchester United Experience

Galbraith's only game for Manchester United came in the away trip in 2019, a Europa League trip to the host city, where they played on an plastic turf and the venue ceiling was shut owing to the weather of bitter cold. "It was a lengthy journey and it was chilly," he says, smiling. "The week before, the academy prospects practiced as a group, 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

How hard was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he transferred from aged his mid-teens? "It was quite easy, because I reached the point where I understood I wasn't going to make it at the senior squad. I'm hugely grateful for the experience gained but it became apparent where I thought I required a fresh start, drop down the leagues and play first-team games. Now I'm gradually working my way back up."

Welsh Adaptation

It is the early part of the afternoon 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. Before his recent move to the local area, the 24-year-old was a frequent passenger in Swansea's nicknamed fun bus, a minibus driven by club employees, the drivers, which transports players to and from practice and games.

"My companions include the Portuguese player, another squad member, Malick Yalcouyé – Melker Widell used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's nice to spend time with the guys but I'm aiming to be the next one to drive independently and behind the wheel. The Portuguese player enjoys practical jokes; he's always up to all sorts."

Public Engagement

While playing for Leyton Orient, Galbraith would travel alongside supporters on public transport after starting his journey at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim