SWINDON Town defender Ben Purkiss insists he has privately spoken to Harry Kane to set the record straight regarding a joke he made at the Tottenham and England striker's expense at last weekend's PFA awards.

In a speech to the awards dinner at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Sunday, PFA chairman Purkiss quipped that “Harry Kane is so prolific that he is able to score without touching the ball” in reference to the Spurs frontman recently claiming a goal scored after the faintest of touches against Stoke in a Premier League clash.

The Mirror reported Kane's family were furious about recent jokes at the player's expense - the FA apologising for a tweet referring to his performance in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United last Saturday - and that Purkiss had been urged to issue his own public apology, even suggesting the Town man's position as players' union chief was coming under scrutiny.

Purkiss, though, was quoted in the national newspaper saying: "The facts are I personally spoke to Harry Kane. I explained I was complimenting him on his achievements, how he went on loan before being such a success at Tottenham and my comments were complimentary.

"During my speech I made reference to the fantastic achievements of our members. I spoke about the adversity footballers at all levels face. I referenced some of the nominees for the PFA Men’s award.

"I referenced Harry Kane and spoke about my admiration for his success he achieved after his loan spells away from White Hart Lane.

"I said that he was so good he could score without touching the ball. I know for a fact he touched the ball. He was credited with the goal by an independent panel.

"I was joking at how ridiculous the coverage was as he is such a talented footballer.

"I contacted Harry to explain my comments and he stated that he had not taken offence to my comments.

"I have utmost respect for Harry Kane and all our members. I have nothing but admiration for Harry."

The 33-year-old, who has made 45 appearance for Town this season, became PFA chairman last November.

The PFA subsequently released a statement on the issue today, saying: "In response to recent media coverage we can confirm that no complaints have been received by the PFA from Harry Kane, Harry’s representatives or Harry’s family.

"At no point has any party demanded an apology.

"Out of courtesy our chairman Ben Purkiss contacted Harry personally to explain that the comment had been taken out of context.

"Harry has not expressed any concern at all about any comments and appreciated the joke.

"Furthermore, Harry was categorically not at the event. I hope this brings an end to all the widespread inaccuracies. "All concerned would now like to draw a line under this matter and move on.''