Ethan Galbraith: Swansea and Northern Ireland midfielder 'all good' after calf injury
By OnzeActu · · 3 min read
Sidelined for several weeks due to a calf problem, Ethan Galbraith was authorized by the Swansea medical staff to join the Northern Ireland selection for the friendly matches against Guinea and France. The player looks back on his convalescence and says he remains focused on his club despite transfer rumors.
Ethan Galbraith, 24-year-old Swansea City midfielder, has reassured about his physical condition after a calf injury and figures well in the Northern Ireland squad for the friendlies against Guinea and France. Absent since the friendly draw against Wales at the end of March - which came after Northern Ireland's defeat against Italy in the play-offs - Galbraith returned to the national squad after a long period of treatment.
In April, Swansea coach Vítor Matos said he preferred the player to be spared during the June international window. Galbraith, however, specifies that he spoke with his coach and the club's medical staff: he was finally “validated” by the medical team to join the gathering. “I’m happy to be able to come for training,” he said. “I spent six or seven weeks only with a physio, so it was quite a long time training on my own, but now everything is fine. When you stay away from the field, it's obviously frustrating. These matches are fantastic for everyone, and coming back after injury it will be good to play again. »
Galbraith, who missed the remainder of Swansea's Championship campaign, joins his team-mates for the first match against Guinea in Spain on Thursday (5:00 p.m. BST), before facing France in the Blues' final warm-up match on June 8 in Lille.
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Having had a convincing first season at Swansea, where he played both at right-back and in midfield, Galbraith has seen his name associated with transfer rumors to the Premier League and even Championship rivals like Wrexham. The person remains measured: “It's nice to see that people are saying good things about you, but for now I'm a Swansea player and I'm going to stay focused on Swansea. »
The Northern Irish midfielder also welcomed the extension of his coach Michael O'Neill, who signed a new contract until 2032 despite interest from Blackburn Rovers. O'Neill, who combined management of the Ewood Park club with his international role for the second half of the season, has finally confirmed his commitment to Northern Ireland. “I'm really happy he's continuing,” Galbraith said. “He was huge for me in my career. He helped a lot of young players; he lets us play in big matches and gives us freedom. He's been fantastic for me. »
The coach retained two uncapped teenagers, Braiden Graham (Everton) and Ceadach O'Neill (Arsenal), both of whom passed through Linfield before leaving for England. Galbraith says he is ready to welcome them and advise them: “I am here to put them at ease. Don't change what you usually do, it's what brought you here. I've been in this situation, so if they need something, don't hesitate. »