And although he is yet to make his RaboDirect PRO12 debut, Townsend insists Isles has made rapid progress behind closed doors.
"I have been really pleased with the way Carlin Isles has settled in with us at Scotstoun," Townsend told the Glasgow Evening Times.
"He is a determined and tenacious guy and he has surprised me with the quality of his catch-pass and his running lines.
"He is very hungry to pick up the 15-man game as quickly as possible and already, after just ten days, he has made huge strides."
Townsend's side continue their hunt for a RaboDirect PRO12 play-off place this Friday against fourth-placed Ospreys.
With the Warriors four points behind the Welsh side, but with two games in hand, Townsend is keen to see performance levels raised.
"We must bring a real intensity to every contact situation, something we have done well in the past against the Ospreys," he added.
"This was an area that was strong in last week's home win over the Scarlets, but we will have to raise our standards even higher this weekend."
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