The 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international, who left his position as manager of first division Clyde in the summer to take over as Preston's assistant Almondvale, made his first Bank of Scotland Premier League appearance for three years against Dundee, in place of centre-half Gustave Bahoken.
Preston was happy with Kernaghan’s performance and said: "I was very pleased with the way Alan played against Dundee, especially as he hasn't played at the top level for quite a few years now."
He added: "I played alongside him for St Johnstone and he is a leader on the park and never stops organising.
"I felt we needed a voice on the pitch because we never had one in the last game, so I'm pleased that Alan made a difference. He has vast experience, both in the Scottish game and at international level, so it's good to have someone like that to call upon.
"Alan is a winner and he won't settle for second best, so between him and Stuart Lovell we have two leaders on the park. That doesn't mean I don't need those sort of qualities from the rest of the players, I want to have 11 leaders out there."
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