But League One side County got level at 2-2 to go to extra-time and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Sterling appeared to fell Enda Stevens.

Nothing was given, though, and Sturridge added his fourth goal of the season 38 seconds later, before Jordan Henderson wrapped up a 4-2 in.

"I think we got complacent and they got some belief," Sturridge told Sky Sports 1.

"They started playing better football, but our fitness from pre-season showed at the end."

On his own form, the ex-Chelsea man said: "I have belief and I am paying for the hard work."

Sturridge's manager Brendan Rodgers was keen to salute the efforts of both sides.

"I congratulate my men for showing that character and commitment and also Notts County," he said.

"At 2-0 down, it was a great fightback and that will bode well for their season. We have seen before that 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline, but we are glad to get through."

It was not all good news for Liverpool, though, with Aly Cissokho, Kolo Toure and Joe Allen all going off injured.

"Kolo's groin has opened up and Joe has a hamstring (problem)," Rodgers added.