Kelly has been Leicester's caretaker boss since Craig Levein's departure

The 41-year-old has steered the Foxes to three successive Championship wins, to lift them above the relegation zone.

"I'm flattered. I'll quickly get over those selfish thoughts. I am delighted to get the opportunity," said Kelly.

"The decision now allows everyone to settle down and focus on what is really important. That's the next 13 games."

Luton boss Mike Newell and Brentford counterpart Martin Allen earlier ruled themselves out of a move to the Walkers Stadium.

Caretaker boss Kelly has been in charge since Craig Levein parted company with the Foxes on 25 January.

He has guided them to three successive wins over QPR, Wolves and Brighton, but said: "We're not out of the trouble we're in at the moment and we know what we've got to do.

I think Rob was the only man for the job Leicester skipper Paddy McCarthy

"I never actually applied for the job but was in regular contact with the board since Mike and I were placed in temporary charge and then the phone call came last night.

"Do I want the job past the end of the season? I haven't really thought about it, because all that matters is that we retain our Championship status at the end of the season and I'm not looking beyond that."

Foxes chief executive Tim Davies said that the job had not been offered to anyone else.

"Rob and Mike have earned their appointments by winning three league games out of three and you can't argue with that.

"Why change a winning formula?"

Captain Paddy McCarthy said the dressing room had played their part in Kelly's appointment.

"I think Rob was the only man for the job," said the centre-back.

"I'm delighted and I know the feeling in the dressing room mirrors my reaction.

"We're 100% behind Rob and we're looking forward to working with him for the long-term and not just the next couple of games."