"I'm looking forward to scoring goals, getting playing time and helping the boys win the whole thing."
And for good measure, he said there might be some flash along the way too.
"I love to showboat a little bit and I can't wait to express that," he said with a grin.
In the modern sporting landscape, where few athletes are encouraged to speak their mind, it was a refreshing blast of showmanship.
The Auckland-born Appiah, who prefers to play a central striking role, moved to Australia when he was six and is eligible to represent the All Whites or the Socceroos.
He has turned New Zealand down twice, but said that situation remained fluid.
"I'm open to anything that comes up," he said. "So I wouldn't like to close any doors just yet."
Appiah hasn't heard from All Whites coach Anthony Hudson, but given Hudson's commitment to developing younger players, Appiah might appeal to him if he can perform for the Phoenix.
That doesn't seem likely to be this week, though, as Appiah will play for the Phoenix's reserve side against Hawke's Bay in Lower Hutt today.
When he does earn consideration for the top side, he will be competing with Roy Krishna, Michael McGlinchey and Nathan Burns for playing time as part of the Phoenix's front three.
The Phoenix will meet the Newcastle Jets at the Hutt Recreation Ground tomorrow and Merrick indicated this week he would use a side largely unchanged from the team that drew 0-all with Melbourne City last Saturday.
Right back Louis Fenton has been ruled out with concussion and Michael Boxall will probably replace him.
The Phoenix yesterday confirmed the schedule for their trip to Fiji in June. They will meet the national side in Suva on Saturday, June 27 and in Ba three days later.
