Taken to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as Portugal's third-choice goalkeeper, Beto appears to be in line to fill the same role at UEFA EURO 2012. An understudy to Helton during a two-year spell at FC Porto, he won the Liga I title while on loan at CFR 1907 Cluj during the 2011/12 season.

• Spent six years on Sporting Clube de Portugal's books but was unable to make a first-team breakthrough, the arrival of Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo from Boavista FC in 2003 ending his chances.

• Established himself in the second tier with FC Marco in 2005/06, making 27 appearances, before switching to Leixões SC.

• Won promotion to the top flight in his first season with Leixões, finally making his Liga debut with the Matosinhos club in 2007/08 and starring in their remarkable rise to the top of the table in the first half of 2008/09, in which he started all 30 matches.

• Awarded his first international cap on 10 June 2009 in a friendly against Estonia in Tallinn; left Leixões for Porto a week later and made his European debut in a UEFA Champions League group game at home to Chelsea FC on matchday five of the 2009/10 edition.

• Continued to be back up for Helton during the Dragons' 2010/11 treble-winning campaign but did keep goal in the Portuguese Cup final against Vitória SC, saving a penalty in a 6-2 win.

UEFA honours
UEFA Europa League: winner 2011