With Charlton, Liverpool and Fulham also in contention is will be tough for Sir Bobby's men who have had four wins in their last 10 outings. Speed hopes that his side can turn things around in Saturday's game against struggling Leicester.
"Time is running out for us, and we need to put a string of wins together if we are to try and secure that fourth place," said Speed.
"But I've heard it so many times that we've got so-and-so at home and that it should be three points for us - but it's never like that in football."
Newcastle were denied three points when Birmingham bagged a controversial late equaliser last weekend, but Gary Speed is determined to avoid a repeat.
"It doesn't matter who you play; you have to stay mentally tough and keep your focus," he said. "Leicester got a drubbing on Saturday, so they'll be even harder to beat. That Aston Villa result has done us no favours."
Darren Ambrose will be out to impress as he tries to replace Nolberto Solano on the wing,and Speed is confident of the former Ipswich starlet, adding: "Nobby was a great player for Newcastle United, and all the lads are devastated that he's gone.
"But Darren's showed us already since he's been here what a good player he is. He's one of those players who always pops up with a goal."
Speed will be the first man (or woman I pressume) to play 400 games in the Premiership when he runs out on Saturday.
He said: "It's a great achievement, and maybe after my career is finished I will look back on it with some pride.
"But it's irrelevant at the moment, because it's just about winning games for Newcastle. The sooner I get that 400th appearance out of the way, the better."
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