Rickett's won an England cap against Holland in February 2002 when he was at Bolton but was regarded a £3.5m flop at Middlesbrough with just four goals in 15 starts and has yet to find the net since joining Leeds on a free transfer in June.
Blackwell said: "We pull our hair out at times but if we are patient we will see some good stuff from Michael.
"The kid was in the England side two years ago and saw a massive fall from grace that would knock anybody’s confidence."