He played for the Argentina national team, Independiente, Estudiantes de La Plata and León.

There, he alternated with Carlos Bertero in the team that won the Nacional championship title in 1983.

He came back to Independiente in 1990 and helped the team win the Clausura 1994 and two international titles.

Angry that he was still a substitute for Nery Pumpido, he resigned the national team just before the 1990 World Cup.

After the cup, Islas returned to the national team under new coach Alfio Basile.