Galbraith 'All Good' with Injury After Matos Concern
Swansea City midfielder Ethan Galbraith has confirmed that his calf injury is "all good" following his inclusion in Northern Ireland's squad for upcoming friendlies against Guinea and France.
Galbraith had not featured since the friendly draw with Wales at the end of March, which followed Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off defeat by Italy.
In April, Swansea manager Victor Matos expressed a preference for the 24-year-old to be rested during the June international window, but Galbraith stated he had discussions with both his club manager and the medical staff.
Having missed the remainder of Swansea's Championship season due to the calf issue, Galbraith said he had been medically cleared by the club to join the Northern Ireland squad.
Northern Ireland are scheduled to face Guinea in Spain on Thursday, followed by a match against France in Lille on 8 June, which will serve as France's World Cup send-off.
"I'm happy to able to come to camp," Galbraith said.
"I spent six or seven weeks just with a physio, so that was quite long just training by myself but it is all good now.
"When you spend time off the pitch it's obviously frustrating. So having these games is absolutely brilliant for everyone, but coming off the back of an injury, it'll be good to get back out there."
Following an impressive debut season at Swansea, where he has been utilized both at right back and in midfield, Galbraith has been linked with moves to the Premier League and Championship rivals Wrexham. However, he emphasized his commitment to Swansea.
"It's nice when you see people are saying that you are doing good things, but at the moment I'm a Swansea player and will just try and focus on Swansea."
Matos Hopes Galbraith Will Get Summer Rest
Price 'Buzzing' After O'Neill Commits to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland have received a boost with manager Michael O'Neill signing a new contract extending his tenure until 2032, despite interest from Blackburn Rovers.
O'Neill spent the latter half of the season balancing his role at Blackburn with his international duties, successfully keeping Blackburn in the Championship.
Although Blackburn expressed interest in appointing O'Neill permanently, he has chosen to continue leading Northern Ireland.
Echoing sentiments expressed by midfielder Isaac Price, Galbraith said he was "buzzing" about O'Neill's contract extension and acknowledged the manager's significant impact on his career.
"He's been massive for a lot of the lads in such a young group.
He lets us play in big game and lets us play with freedom. He's been brilliant for me."
Inclusion of Young Talent in Northern Ireland Squad
O'Neill has included two uncapped teenagers, Everton's Braiden Graham and Arsenal's Ceadach O'Neill, in the squad for the Guinea and France friendlies.
Like Galbraith, both players developed at Linfield in the Irish Premiership before moving to clubs in England.
Galbraith expressed his intention to support the newcomers and advised them to maintain their current approach.
"Just take it in your stride. Don't try and do too much different from what you have been doing, because that is what has got them here.
I've been around for a while and it's always nice to welcome them in.
If they need anything, just let them know that they can ask. We've all been in that situation once upon a time."
