Cameron Lissimore Media

Ethan Galbraith

Position – Midfielder / Right Back

Current Club – Leyton Orient

Previous Clubs – Manchester United, Doncaster Rovers and Salford City

Age : 23

Moving to Manchester United at a young age must have been tough, especially leaving behind friends and family. Did you originally find it tough to make Manchester your new home or were you able to adapt pretty quickly?

First moving to Manchester I was quite nervous as I was so used to Belfast, although as soon as I got settled in at my digs it was fine. The digs parents were great and there was a few of the lads from my age group also living with me, so after a week or two I settled in quite easily. 

After signing a contract at the Red Devils, you made an appearance in the UEFA Europa League, how good was that experience, and how did you deal with the pressure?

To make my competitive debut for United was unbelievable. It was a dream come true. The adrenaline probably took the pressure out of the equation as I was just buzzing to get on the pitch. 

Who were some of the best players you had the chance to share the pitch with at United and what were they able to teach you about your own game?

I was quite lucky to play in such a talented group from the first year I moved to Manchester. There was so much quality throughout the squad it would be hard to name everyone although Angel Gomes always made the game look easy. Our manager at the time was Kieran McKenna who is now at Ipswich , I learnt a lot from him and working with him you always knew he’d go to the very top. 

You later got loan moves to both Doncaster Rovers and Salford City, how was your time at both of these clubs?

My loan moves were good in my development, at Doncaster although collectively we didn’t do as great that season it taught me a lot about men’s football. Salford was a different experience as we were more towards the play off side of the table so it was a good experience personally and as a team. I’ve been quite lucky so far in my career to always have been in changing rooms where the group of lads have been class. 

Then you made the permanent switch to Leyton Orient, what drew you to the club?

The Orient move came about as I already knew the gaffer & I’d played against Orient the year before when they won the league. You could see they were a top side who played football how I like to play. So when the time came for me to move on to a permanent deal it was a no brainer. 

Since you’ve been in E10, you’ve played in both Right-Back and Midfield Roles, is it a difficult adjustment to make to your game?

I’ve really enjoyed both roles, the right back role is quite easy to adjust to as our style of play the right back would naturally come into midfield when we have the ball. So it’s not too much of a difference, just defensively having to be a-bit more switched on. 

How have the supporters both Home and Away spurred you and the lads on this season?

The support has been quality, I think all of the lads would say the same. It’s great to see them come in their numbers both home and away. The atmosphere gives you an extra boost on the pitch. 

What’s been your favourite moment at the club so far? Any memorable goals?

There’s been a few I’d say, Portsmouth away last season was a big one. To go to the side top of the league and win the way we did was unreal. Memorable goals I would say Cheltenham away, can’t beat a last minute winner. 

You’ve also made 4 appearances for the Northern Ireland first team, what’s it like to represent your country on the biggest scale?

One of my proudest moments, to play for Northern Ireland was always a dream of mine since I was a young kid. 

Just to round off, there is no denying that The O’s have been flying as of late, what’s the aim going forward both as a team and then for yourself on a personal note?

The aim is just to take each game one at a time and see where it takes us. We’re big on that as a group. Not getting too ahead of ourselves even though we have been on a good run of form. For me personally it’s just helping the team as much as I can and hopefully chip in with more goals and assists.

Many thanks to Ethan for taking the time to do this interview, and I wish him well for the rest of the season!

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