Denis Law, the Scottish football star, is to be honoured by St Andrews University for his professional achievements as a sportsman.

Nicknamed The Lawman, the formerManchesterUnited striker is one of the most popular figures in the game.

The 1964 European Player of the Year is to be awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at a ceremony on St Andrew's Day.

Professor Philip Winn, dean of science at the university, nominated Law for the honorary doctorate.

He said: "Denis Law is being honoured as one of the most successful Scottish sportsmen.

"He is still the record goalscorer for Scotland."

In 11 years at Old Trafford, Law scored 236 goals in 409 appearances. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Aberdeen University earlier this year shortly after his 65th birthday.