O'Hanlon was appointed caretaker boss after David Moyes moved to Everton last week.

He had been Moyes' assistant at Deepdale for four years before that.

O'Hanlon was in charge for Sunday's Division One game against Burnley, which Preston lost 2-1.

Preston chief executive Tony Scholes said: "It was always our intention to review the manager's job once we had the Burnley game out of the way.

"Kelham has been doing a very good job as David's assistant over the years and we have every confidence that he is the right man to take us through until the end of the season.

"Continuity is a vital element of our success over the years and it is a decision that removes all the uncertainty surrounding the position.

Several high-profile names have been linked with the North End job.

These included John Barnes, Richard Gough, Craig Brown and Bryan Robson.

Scholes said the club had received a lot of interest in the post.

'Leading contender'

"We have already received unsolicited applications from a host of high profile names, some in jobs at present and others looking for a job," he said.

"We did not want any uncertainty to upset the players or the rest of the football club.

"We can now concentrate on trying for a play-off spot and then planning for next year.

"I expect Kelham to be a leading contender to fill the managers' post full-time when we make that decision in the close season."

O'Hanlon, who was a goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach at North End before becoming assistant manager, said: "I am delighted for the players more than anything.

"They now know what is happening with any uncertainty being taken away.

"This will enable them to concentrate 100% on winning football matches starting with the game against Crewe on Wednesday night."