FIT-AGAIN Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed has called on his teammates to fight the fatigue of a gruelling season to ensure they don't blow their chances of a Champions' League place.

Speed is back in contention for tonight's home game against Fulham as United attempt to reclaim fourth spot in the Premiership.

Victory will restore their three-point advantage over nearest rivals Chelsea with a game in hand.

And Speed, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, declared: "We have six games left and they are very important - we can't let it slip.

"There are no excuses. Players may be tired, but they can rest in the summer. We have to to make sure we get ourselves into the Champions' League and then we can have that rest.

"A top-four spot is a real incentive. We've been up there for most of the season and we aim to stay there.

"We can't sit back and relax just because we've had a hard season. We should be fit and strong enough to see it through.

"You look at the fixture list and think we have an easier run-in than a lot of clubs.

"But a lot of teams in there are fighting for survival. We have to play Fulham, Blackburn and Derby and we have to go to Southampton, where we haven't been successful.

"It might look easy, but this is not an easy league.'' Speed, who holds the Premiership appearance record with 345 outings, has missed the last five matches and admitted: "It has been frustrating - I'm just glad to be back. I didn't want a rest - I hate missing games - and this has been my worst season for injuries.

"But we have been helped by having Jermaine Jenas around. The signing of JJ has been very good for Newcastle.

"He has an excellent chance of being a top player. He hasn't been overawed. He's very young but you can see he has great talent and is a great prospect.

"And with Kieron Dyer having returned from injury, the side has not been disrupted too much.'' Speed, 32, insists he can no longer command a regular place - but still wants to see out his playing days with Newcastle.

He said: "There was a lot of talk last summer linking me with a move to Fulham, and it was a bit unsettling, but thankfully I was able to sign a new contract and I want to play the rest of my career here.

"I know I face a fight to get back into the side. I don't know what is going to happen, but I will have no complaints if I'm not playing.

"We have a stronger squad now and that means nobody is an automatic choice.''

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