MARLIN Coast Rangers soccer star Alex Petrou has two months to silence his detractors before embarking on the challenge of a lifetime in the US.

The midfielder has secured a prized scholarship with Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, and is determined to leave the FNQ Football premiership with his head held high.

"I've got something to prove over the next two months," he said.

"I want to leave on a good note because some people have questioned what I'm doing."

The 23-year-old was adamant he had a bright future in the game, despite already facing several serious injury setbacks in his career.

Petrou first left Cairns as a 17-year-old to link with Sydney club Northern Spirit for the 2003/04 season in what was then the National Soccer League.

The move ended badly when Petrou was taken out in a tackle in an early season game, resulting in a full knee reconstruction and ending his stint with the club which folded six months later.

Petrou said it took him three years to get his confidence and fitness back to the levels they were at before the injury. Since then, he has established himself as one of the Cairns region’s finest club and representative players.

However, it took a stint with Norwegian second division club FK Mandal during the off-season to renew his motivation and prompt him to again look outside Cairns for an opportunity.

Petrou made inquiries upon returning to Cairns, resulting in the scholarship offer which will also allow him to complete a banking and finance degree.

Petrou was confident the key to furthering his career was in the US, believing the game was growing rapidly in a nation not renowned for its love of soccer.

"You could spend 10 years in Europe, playing in second and third division teams and if the right coach doesn’t see you, you might not get far," he said.

"With Americans, once they start something they want to be the best at it. They can spend so much on development and coaching so I think it's a good time to get over there and be a part of it."

Petrou said the move was also inspired by a desire to further his knowledge and prepare myself for life after soccer.

"Your sporting career can end in a heart beat and to know I have a degree to fall back on is very motivating," he said.

Petrou hoped other FNQ soccer players would follow his lead and chase chances the sport presented internationally.

"I want to inspire young players and help them see that there are different avenues to making it as an athlete."

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