Galbraith Cleared for Northern Ireland Duty Despite Swansea Preference for Rest

Ethan Galbraith said his calf injury is "all good" after being cleared to join Northern Ireland's squad for upcoming friendlies against Guinea and France. The 24-year-old midfielder had not played since Northern Ireland's friendly draw with Wales at the end of March, which followed the team's World Cup play-off defeat by Italy.

He missed the rest of Swansea City's Championship season because of the injury.

Galbraith said he spent six or seven weeks training alone with a physiotherapist. He added that he had conversations with Swansea manager Vitor Matos and the club's medical staff before receiving clearance to report for international duty. "I'm happy to able to come to camp," Galbraith said.

"When you spend time off the pitch it's obviously frustrating. " Northern Ireland will face Guinea in Spain on Thursday at 17:00 BST before meeting France in Lille on 8 June in a World Cup send-off match for Les Bleus. In April, Matos said he would prefer the player to rest during the June international window.

Galbraith said the club's medical team approved his participation. Galbraith had an impressive first season at Swansea, where he played both right back and midfield. He has been linked with moves to the Premier League and to Championship side Wrexham, but he said his focus remains on his current club.

"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," he said. Manager Michael O'Neill signed a new contract with Northern Ireland until 2032 after keeping Blackburn Rovers in the Championship while combining both roles.

" O'Neill also called up two uncapped teenagers, Everton's Braiden Graham and Arsenal's Ceadach O'Neill, both of whom came through at Linfield in the Irish Premiership before moving to England.

Galbraith said he is in camp "to make them feel welcome" and advised them to "Just take it in your stride. uk reported the details of Galbraith's comments and squad selection.