I’m back for good in NI squad, vows Galbraith
■ Ex-man United youngster hungry to stay in O’neill’s panel after his comeback
ETHAN Galbraith has spoken of his joy and relief after playing again for Northern Ireland and has underlined his hunger to stay in the team.
The 23-year-old midfielder was a second-half substitute against Andorra in Murcia, ending his frustrating spell in the international wilderness.
Galbraith made his international debut in 2019 under Michael O’neill during a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg and his second cap came in a 1-1 draw against Romania in November 2020.
More than three years later, the Leyton Orient ace returned to the big stage, and now, he’s determined to stay there.
“First and foremost, it was great to be back with the squad,” said the Glengormley man.
“The whole camp was class, and to finish it off with minutes on the pitch was a huge bonus.
“I haven’t played for the side in a few years, so it’s felt like a fresh start for me international-wise.
“I’m hoping to build on that now and be in the squad on a more regular basis.
“Now I’m back in with the squad, I can hopefully stay involved.
“I always believed in myself and that I could play for the team again.
“I’ve been on loan quite a bit, and I think that moving permanently to a club has really helped me with getting back in. I knew I could return for Northern Ireland after making progress at club level.”
The former Manchester United youngster, who had loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Salford City, is thriving in East London, claiming the Leyton Orient Supporters Club Starman award along with Manager’s and Players’ Player of the Season.
“I want to hit the ground running next season and be picked for the upcoming squads,” he added.
“We are all getting older, but there is a lot more to come from me.”
ETHAN Galbraith is confident his club and international career is now firmly back on track after a difficult few years.
The 23-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an impressive season at Leyton Orient which opened the door to a Northern Ireland return.
Michael O’neill has been keeping a close eye on Galbraith this year and has been impressed with his performances in different areas of the pitch for the League One outfit, having had loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Salford prior to leaving Manchester United in 2023.
The Glengormley man scored five times in 39 League appearances for the O’s during the 2023/24 campaign and one of the positives of the summer trip to Spain was the return of a revitalised player.
Galbraith made his international debut in 2019 under O’neill, during a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg.
Alfie Mccalmont and Ciaron Brown also made their senior bows in that game but Galbraith found himself in the international wilderness for more than three years.
His second cap came against Romania in 2020 before being called into O’neill’s squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers away to Denmark and at home to Kazakhstan despite his uncertain club future.
The long wait for an international return ended during the second-half against Andorra in Murcia when Galbraith fought a few nerves to come on and produce a polished performance.
He was introduced just after the hour mark, replacing former O Paul Smyth.
When he was 18 and at Old Trafford, the hope was that the midfielder would kick on and become a regular in Northern Ireland’s senior squad, however it hasn’t worked out that way.
But now he’s back on the big stage and hungry to stay there.
“It was a good game to come back,” said Galbraith, who made only one senior appearance in six years with United, featuring in the Europa League in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“Before I came on, I was nervous because I hadn’t played for the team in so long and in the last game I played for Northern Ireland, I didn’t think I did myself justice. I didn’t play well enough.
“To come on against Andorra and play okay was a bonus. Once I got a few touches, I was fine and enjoyed it.
“Michael (O’neill) gave me my debut before he left for Stoke City and it’s nice to be back playing for him.
“He has shown faith in me which is nice to know.
“It’s a very young squad but with unbelievable players.
“Everyone is hungry but there
is a lot of quality there. Conor (Bradley) is an unbelievable talent, you can see that in training.
“You look at what he has done already for his age, for both club and country, it’s remarkable.
“The group has momentum now. I know we lost to Spain but I felt that game was vital experience for the lads.
“You are playing against one of the best teams in the world and going forward, the young group can learn so much from that.
“It’s a massive part of our destart velopment.” Galbraith has the talent to be in O’neill’s plans going forward and his return to the fold is a huge plus for a manager who has spoken of the need to add depth to his squad.
“It was a great trip,” added Galbraith.
“First and foremost, it was great to be back with the squad.
“The whole camp was class and to finish it off with minutes on the pitch was a huge bonus.
“I haven’t played for the side in a few years so it’s felt like a fresh for me, international wise.
“I’m hoping to build on that now and be in the squad on a more regular basis.
“Now I’m back in with the squad, I can hopefully stay involved.
“I always believed in myself and that I could play for the team again.
“I’ve been on loan quite a bit and I think that moving permanently to a club has really helped me with getting back in.
“I knew I could return for Northern Ireland after making progress at club level.”
O’neill has reflected on how a player’s club career can shape their international opportunities and Galbraith appears to have found the right path again, under the guidance of his manager Richie Wellens.
He is thriving in east London, claiming the Leyton Orient Supporters Club Starman award, along with Manager’s and Players’ Player of the Season.
“It’s been a good season,” he reflects.
“I would have liked a few more goals and assists but I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It always helps when you are secure in your environment and not moving around as much.
“It’s a lot better for me to be at the club on a permanent basis.
“I want to hit the ground running next season and be picked for the upcoming squads.
“We are all getting older but there is a lot more to come from me.
“I’m still quite young and my aims are simple — to keep doing well for my club and get included in squads later this year.
“My game has developed a lot. When I was younger and being selected, I was probably more immature, but I am more mature and I can say the same about my game.
“Even this year at Leyton Orient, our manager has helped me with his knowledge of the game and how I can make an impact in the team.”