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Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he reminisces about the dramatic dying seconds of Swansea's remarkable turnaround victory against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. That match wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a supporter's spectacles after the post-goal scrum.

As the match entered added time, Galbraith struck the post with a speculative effort from 25 yards, and Cameron Burgess quickly hammered in the loose ball before racing off toward the home end to mark the goal, with the crowd congregating around the players.

Stunning Reversal

This capped an unbelievable comeback given Swansea had found themselves down 2-0 midway through the latter period. Amid the euphoria, there was some collateral damage. The midfielder recalled, "There was a supporter trying to get our attention and we were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we saw the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as athletes but we're individuals, too, so to have a joke with the fans is always good."

Premier League Giants

The result secured a next round game at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, a team Galbraith pushed hard at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with his former club in February. Galbraith had arguably the best view when his former team took the lead in spectacular fashion, with a teammate's long-range effort from about way out going in via the crossbar and the City goalkeeper. Many argued that it was recorded as an own goal.

"You would have wished they would've given it to him for taking the effort on from that distance," says Galbraith, who began the game centrally before moving to right wing-back after they changed formation. That meant getting to grips with the England international, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the player was among the City players who paid tribute to the way his former team attacked the game.

Guardiola's System

"Athletically they are outstanding but even the simple things and simple things, they can just do it over and over again," he explains. "It feels like they complete every delivery and they know how to manage and neutralize a game. You can think you're doing well and then suddenly they will just fizz a pass through a line without you even spotting it. You have to be alert every second of the game. It takes a tough attitude and focus just to remain competitive."

New Chapter

The Welsh side pushed to sign Galbraith in January and secured his signature to sign him in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He established himself as a popular figure across multiple campaigns at Leyton Orient and has quickly done the same in his new home. At the London club he linked up again with Richie Wellens, who earlier gave Galbraith his first extended run in senior football on loan at his loan club from United. Then came a temporary move at fourth-tier Salford, before he permanently left Old Trafford.

Learning Curve

"I was probably a slightly green going into men's football. I think numerous professionals would say development squad matches is entirely separate. Sometimes it seems possession is exchanged without serious challenge. There are limited tackles or duels. Once you start playing first-team football you have to adjust fast."

International Recognition

He has demonstrated that growth for club and country, performing well for the Green and White Army, who could still reach the World Cup next summer via the qualifying rounds and for whom he has started the last several matches, including two matches games against Germany. His former international manager, Galbraith's ex- international manager, paid him the highest praise, saying he was Northern Ireland's "little Iniesta or Xavi" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a decisive through ball.

Early Days

This marks an incredible journey for the youngster from the local area in Glengormley, just outside Belfast, who was raised observing his parent, Stuart, also a engine room operator, play for Ballyclare Comrades.

Red Devils Debut

Galbraith's sole appearance for the Red Devils came in the away trip in 2019, a Europa League trip to Astana, where they played on an plastic turf and the arena covering was shut owing to temperatures of -15C. "That proved to be a extended travel and it was cold out there," he says, grinning. "The days leading up, myself and quite a few of the young lads worked out jointly, so that assisted our preparation. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was unbelievable."

Leaving United

How hard was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he transferred from aged a teenager? "This turned out relatively straightforward, because I got to the stage where I knew I wouldn't break through at the top level. I'm very appreciative for the experience gained but it got to the point where I believed I required a fresh start, move to a lower level and play men's football. Now I'm gradually working my way back up."

Welsh Adaptation

It is the early part of the afternoon at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has somewhere to be at 5pm: a driving theory test, another progress toward getting on the road. Prior to relocating to Sketty, the 24-year-old was a regular in Swansea's dubbed fun bus, a team vehicle driven by team personnel, the transport team, which shuttles players to and from sessions and fixtures.

"I travel with a teammate, Ronald, the midfielder – a former passenger used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's pleasant to interact with the teammates but I'm hoping to be the following person to stop using the bus and on the road. Franco likes to pull a few pranks; he's frequently playing tricks."

Supporter Connections

When he represented Leyton Orient, Galbraith would blend in with fans on the Tube after commuting at the area he lived in. "I tried|I attempted|My aim